Homewood Public Library Adults Programs for December 2023

Buy your tickets soon to this special event!

Jingle All the Way with Storyteller Dolores Hydock & the Music of Bobby Horton

Friday, December 1, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium

There will also be the always-requested The Twelve Days of Christmas, other new stories, gorgeous traditional tunes, and jolly sing-alongs to jump-start your holiday season! Advance reservations are essential! The show includes snacks starting at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Purchase your ticket before November 30 at homewoodpubliclibrary.org or at the Adult Services Desk.

Upcoming Book Clubs & Topic Discussions

Not Your Mama's Book Club – 2024 Astrological Predictions

Tuesday, December 5, from 2-3 p.m. in the Boardroom

No book reading required, discussion group only. Join us as Astrologer Mandie Rae Trott brings us her astrological predictions for 2024. Astrology is the ancient science of interpreting what influence the movements of the planets, stars and other heavenly bodies may have on our lives. Astrologer Mandi Rae Trott will discuss her astrological predictions for 2024. Join us as we explore how the coming year will affect us as individuals and as a collective.

Read It & Eat Book Club – Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Thursday, December 7, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Urban Cookhouse

A story of family—the ones we’re born to, the ones we marry into, and the ones we make—and how despite pain and fractured relationships, hope can be found. If you have siblings—you’ll revel in the four Padavano sisters who are thick as thieves—until they aren’t. Napolitano writes with gusto and compassion about the transition from idyllic youth to the complexities of adulthood: love and loss, cutting words and secrets, which both hold people together and tear them apart. Join our discussion at the Urban Cookhouse in Homewood. The food is not provided by the Library, but participants are encouraged to order beverages/food. Place the book on hold at hpl.pub/catalog.

Educator Book Club – Parachute Kids by Betty Tang

Monday, December 11, from 4-5 p.m. in the Boardroom

In hopes of sparking conversation around the issues our kids, tweens, and teens are facing today, the Homewood Public Library is hosting a monthly book club for educators. Homewood City Schools Educators can earn professional development credit for attending. December's selection is Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org. Place the book on hold at hpl.pub/catalog.

Forever YA Book Club – Harry Potter by J K Rowling

Tuesday, December 12, from 6- 7 p.m. in Room 110

Join us for a special day at the Forever YA Book Club. The Harry Potter Series is associated with the holidays, since that's when most of the movies came out. While we won't be watching the movie, we'll be discussing the series and having snacks and non-alcoholic butterbeer! Even if you haven't read the book, or have just seen the movie, feel free to attend! This is a book club for adults who love YA books. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org. Place the book on hold at hpl.pub/catalog.

Oxmoor Page Turners Book Club - The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell

Tuesday, December 12, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Boardroom

Following the critically acclaimed Hamnet (2020), O'Farrell creates another mesmerizing portrait of a Renaissance-era woman whose life is shrouded in mystery. "My Last Duchess," Robert Browning's poem about Lucrezia de' Medici (1545-61), gave voice to the longstanding rumors that its subject was murdered by her husband, Alfonso, duke of Ferrara. Was she, and if so, why? Place the book on hold at hpl.pub/catalog.

West Homewood Read, Watch & Review – Winter

Wednesday, December 13, from 2-3 p.m. at Homewood Senior Center

A different take on “Book Club” – Each month we talk about topics rather than all reading one book. Pick any book, audiobook, or movie that you’d like, within the topic, and come share about it. If you have a hard time choosing, check our online display with suggestions for each month’s topic. Topics: December, Winter.

Big Ideas Book Club – Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Friday, December 15, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm in the Boardroom

A book club for professional growth. Join us for lunch each month to discuss a different nonfiction title and share how the ideas impact our lives and work. We'll also explore articles and podcasts relating to the book topics. Non-fiction: professional development/ self-improvement/ leadership. Lunch provided. Registration required. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org. Place the book on hold at hpl.pub/catalog.

Better Than Therapy Book Club - The Book Haters Book Club by Gretchen Anthony

Wednesday, December 27, 2-3:30 p.m. in the Boardroom

Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters' Book Club is the ideal feel-good read. It’s a love letter to everyday heroes—those booksellers and librarians dedicated to putting the right books in the right hands every day. Place the book on hold at hpl.pub/catalog.

Other Special Events

Virtual Library Yoga with Jackie Tally

Mondays, December 4 ,11 & 18, 2-3 p.m. on Zoom

Take time out of your busy schedule for our free yoga classes sponsored by Homewood Public Library. A gentle workout of 15 minutes in the chair, 15 minutes standing with chair, 15 minutes on the mat. All levels of fitness welcome. Register at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Planning for Financial Disaster

Wednesday, December 6, 11a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Room 102

Financial emergencies can happen to anyone, and without a plan, you may find it difficult to bounce back from damages. In turn, this could put your credit score at risk and even cause you to file for bankruptcy. We hope disaster never strikes — but in today’s climate we also know nothing is guaranteed. So why not do a little legwork upfront to ensure you’re financially healthy no matter what? Join us as Penny Southward, of Operation HOPE in partnership with Regions Bank, covers what to do with your finances before, during and after a disaster to ensure you’re protected.

Staff Picks - It's a Wonderful Life

Wednesday, December 6, from 3-5 p.m. in the Large Auditorium

A man who has given up everything for everyone is thinking about taking his own life. A visit from his guardian angel during the Christmas holidays helps him make a decision. This movie is rated PG.

Painting Large with September Reed

Thursday, December 7, from 6:30-8 p.m. in Room 109

Join us as September Reed shows you easy it is to paint your own masterpiece on an 11x14 canvas. We will provide all you need to paint your own masterpiece. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org

Adult Crafting with September Reed - Bath Bombs

Saturday, December 9, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Large Auditorium

Adults, learn a new hobby or spruce up your crafting skills! We meet once a month to tackle a new craft project. This month we will be making bath bombs – great gifts for your friends or to create a wonderful bath for yourself. Bring your ideas and your creative spirit, and we will provide everything else! This class is free, but there is limited seating. Register online at homewoodpubliclibrary.org.

Adult English Classes

Tuesdays, December 12, from 6-?8 p.m. in Room 102

Check the schedule for class location for each class. To register, contact Stephanie at The Literacy Council slyas@literacy-council.org
Clase de ingles para adultos
los martes, de 6:00-?20:00,12 de diciembre de 2023
Para registrarse, póngase en contacto con Stephanie en The Literacy Council slyas@literacy-council.org

Dixie’s Pet Loss Support Group

Tuesday, December 12, from 6-7 p.m. in Room 108

This support group may be just the place where you can meet others who understand what you're going through after the loss of your beloved pet. Sponsored by the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Participation is free. For reservations, contact Randy Hicks, GBHS Volunteer Coordinator, at (205) 542 7111.

Game Day at the Library

Saturday, December 16, from 2-4 p.m. in Room 102

Come enjoy Game Day at the Library! Whether you're solving word puzzles, building towers, or unraveling mysteries, the library has something for you. From simple to complex, from lighthearted to moodier affairs, we have games for every level of interest and complexity available to play. Feel free to bring your favorite game to share – aim for something you can teach a table of 3-6 players in an hour or so. Adults 18+

The ABC's of Medicare

Tuesday, December 19, from 12-1 p.m. in Room 116

Have you been wondering about all the new changes to our Medicare Benefits? Karen Haiflich will answer all your questions about how benefits are currently computed, how to become insured, and how to file a claim.

Seasonal Stories with Sid Burgess

Tuesday, December 19, from 1-2 p.m., in the Round Auditorium

Join us for an hour long adult “story time” of classic short stories with Dr. Julie Stewart and Sid Burgess.

Niki Sepsas Presents Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata

Wednesday, December 20, from 2-3 p.m. in the Large Auditorium

This presentation features the growth of Buenos Aires from a little-known backwater among Spain’s New World possessions to its present position as one of South America’s most exciting and charming cities and home to the poinsettia, arguably the most popular Christmas flower.

West Homewood - Niki Sepsas Presents Valor in the Ardennes: The Battle of the Bulge

Thursday, December 28, from 3-4 p.m. at the Homewood Senior Center

More than 600,000 men would participate in the largest and bloodiest battle of World War II during Christmas 1944 when Adolf Hitler’s last great counteroffensive would result in the epic clash in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium and Luxembourg.