Programs For Adults

All events are free and open to the public. Accommodations for those with special needs are available. Please request at 261-8500 a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the event. Seating is limited.

Is this list too overwhelming? Use the Interactive Calendar to see just the programs you want. Limit events to just those at your branch or a certain date range.

Monthly Book Discussion Groups
Registration is not required. (60 minutes)

Evergreen Branch Library - 1st Tuesdays
Meets first Tuesdays of each month, 1 p.m.
Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 7: "West of Wichita: Settling the High Plains of Kansas, 1865-1890" by Craig Miner
1 p.m., Tuesday, March 6: "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton
1 p.m., Tuesday, April 3: "The Woman Behind the New Deal" by Kristin Downey
1 p.m., Tuesday, May 1: "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by Ernest Hemingway

Evergreen Branch Library - 1st Thursdays
Meets first Thursdays of each month, 7 p.m.
Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2: "The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver
7 p.m., Thursday, March 1: "Remarkable Creatures" by Tracy Chevalier
7 p.m., Thursday, April 5: "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese
7 p.m., Thursday, May 3: "The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey" by Walter Mosley

Orchard Park Branch Library - 1st Fridays
Meets first Friday of each month, 1 p.m.
Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th
1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3: "The King of Torts" by John Grisham 
1 p.m., Friday, March 2: "The Shipping News" by E. Annie Proulx 
1 p.m., Friday, April 6: "Small Wonder" by Barbara Kingsolver 
1 p.m., Friday, May 4: "The Color of Water" by James McBride

Westlink Branch Library - 3rd Tuesdays
Meets third Tuesdays of each month, 1 p.m.
Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21: "When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present" by Gail Collins
1 p.m., Tuesday, March 20: "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James
1 p.m., Tuesday, April 17: To be announced
1 p.m., Tuesday, May 15: To be announced

Central Library - 3rd Tuesdays
Meets third Tuesdays of each month, 7 p.m.
Central Library, 223 S. Main
7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21: "Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt
7 p.m., Tuesday, March 20: "Case Histories: A Novel" by Kate Atkinson
7 p.m., Tuesday, April 17: "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger
7 p.m., Tuesday, May 15: "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

Masters of Mystery (4th Wednesdays)
Meets fourth Wednesdays of each month, 7 p.m.
Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian
7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22: "Deja Dead" by Kathy Reichs 
7 p.m., Wednesday, March 28: "Snowman" by Jo Nesbo 
7 p.m., Wednesday, April 25: "Think of a Number" by John Verdon 
7 p.m., Wednesday, May 23: To be announced

Cozy Mystery (Last Mondays)
Meets last Mondays of every month, 1 p.m.
Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th
1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 30: "Bookmarked for Death" by Lorna Barrett 
1 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27: "Butcher's Hill" by Laura Lippman 
1 p.m., Monday, March 26: "Death by Water" by Kerry Greenwood
1 p.m., Monday, April 30: "The Fright of the Iguana" by Linda O. Johnston 
1 p.m., Monday, May 21: "Locked Rooms" by Laurie R. King

Senior Wednesdays
Offered in cooperation with nine other cultural institutions in Wichita, Senior Wednesdays are designed for active seniors and made possible by the Kansas Health Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans. See all listings at www.seniorwednesday.org. (60 minutes)

Wichita Blues: Henry Walker Performs
Musician Henry Walker shares blues, jazz and R&B songs, both traditional and original. Walker has entertained Wichita for over a decade.
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Alice Guy Blaché: First Woman of Moving Pictures
Racine Zackula discusses the life of the first female director in America, Alice Guy Blaché, and shows film clips in honor of Women's History Month.
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 14, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Modern Landscape Photography: From Its Roots to the “Blue Sky”
Photographer John Ellert traces the roots of modern landscape photography and shows how those antecedents led to the work embodied in the exhibit "Red Desert, Green Prairie, Blue Sky" exhibit at the Central Library March 24-April 30.
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Overview of the Underview
History interpreter, corsetiere and seamstress Maria McCartney shares the inside view of Victorian ladies’ garments, including their unique construction and how they are worn.
1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 9, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Read the Rainbow: The Ninth Annual Adult Winter Reading Program
Challenge yourself to read different genres of books in the Wichita Public Library's annual winter reading program -- just for participants ages 16 and up. Read books. Win prizes. See the Read the Rainbow pages for complete rules, prize information and reading ideas.
Through Thursday, March 8, at all Wichita Public Library locations

Kid Lit for Adults
Enjoy an informal book discussion of quality literature. Welcome to parents, grandparents, teachers, media specialists, librarians and all adults who enjoy reading children's books. This is an opportunity to hear different perspectives and enhance your understanding of children's literature. Registration is required; see individual listings for details. (2 hours)

Maurice Sendak
"Where the Wild Things Are," "In the Night Kitchen" and "Nutshell Library" by Maurice Sendak will be discussed. Registration begins Wednesday, Jan. 25; call the Evergreen Branch Library at 303-8181 to register.
10:15 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas

Beatrix Potter
"The Tale of Peter Rabbit," "The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher" and "The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes" by Beatrix Potter will be discussed. Registration begins Wednesday, Feb. 22; call the Evergreen Branch Library at 303-8181 to register.
10:15 a.m., Saturday, March 10, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas

Mo Willems
"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus," "Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale" and "Elephants Cannot Dance" by Mo Willems will be discussed. Registration begins Wednesday, March 28; call the Evergreen Branch Library at 303-8181 to register.
10:15 a.m., Saturday, April 14, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas

Crafts 4 Fun
Adults need creativity in their lives, so exercise your brain with a new craft! Each month, different projects will be explored. Registration is requested as supplies are provided. (60 minutes)

ZenTangles®
This technique of drawing helps develop your creativity and is so simple, you can draw anytime and anywhere! Come and create a masterpiece. Registration begins Wednesday, Jan. 25; call the Central Library's Art, Music and Video Section at 261-8506 to register.
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Egg Decorating
Egg-strordinary fun with eggs will be had by all participants. We will provide a hollowed egg for decoration and you will dazzle us with your creation. Registration begins Wednesday, Feb. 22; call the Central Library's Art, Music and Video Section at 261-8506 to register.
10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 10, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Shakers!
How can one describe this fun? Make a window on a card to include confetti, glitter, and cuteness to any greeting. Just come and see! Registration begins Wednesday, March 28; call the Central Library's Art, Music and Video Section at 261-8506 to register.
10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 14, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Wichita Genealogical Society Monthly Programs
The Wichita Genealogical Society, a support organization of the Wichita Public Library, offers programs monthly that explore topics of interest to family researchers. Programs are open to the public. For more information, visit the Society's website at www.wichitagensoc.org. (2 hours, unless otherwise noted)

William Allen White's Heartland Values
William Allen White used the platform of the Emporia Gazette over a 50-year period to define the common values of the American Heartland. He believed that democracy and citizenship were at their best in small towns. In his editorials, speeches, and books, White talked about a citizenship ethic based on reason, kindness, and justice and advocated a middle class society as the best venue for practicing citizenship and democracy. Participants will hear various quotations from White's work, including passages drawn from his nationally-recognized editorials. Presented by Frederick A. Krebs. 
1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian

What Are the Cuban Papers?
The "Papeles Procedentes de Cuba," better know as "The Cuban Papers," are an archive of Spanish colonial records for Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. They begin in 1570s until 1898. Learn how to access them and use them to research your family history.
1 p.m., Saturday, March 17, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian

Looking for Lost Children
Adoption records have changed over the years. We will look at ways to locate information to help fill in the leaves on your family tree.
1 p.m., Saturday, April 21, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian

Kansas Cattle Towns
Texas Longhorn cattle, rowdy cowboys, gamblers, gunslingers and tempting women combined to produce the archetypal Kansas cattle town. Chronicled in literature, music, and movies, the cattle town has been a common setting for adventure and intrigue, but the real meaning and importance of cattle towns has rarely been explained. Many misconceptions have endured to distort the actual history of the Kansas cattle town. This presentation will reveal the Wild West as it really was. Presented by Jim Gray.
1 p.m., Saturday, May 19, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian

Tuesday Topics
Learn more about current topics of local interest on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This is your chance to ask questions from area decision-makers on newsworthy events. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch; drinks will be provided. Cosponsored by the League of Women Voters Wichita - Metro. (90 minutes)

Immigration Issues
American immigration policy is complex. What strategy should we be taking to allow new immigrants to come to America?
11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Health Care Funding
Considering that health care affects all Americans, should the government require all citizens to carry a minimal amount of health care coverage?
11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 27, Central Library, 223 S. Main

Plenty of Love to Spare: Becoming a Foster Family
Learn more about how you can become a foster parent for a child who needs a family. Karen Lippoldt from the Salvation Army will share details on what is involved and answer questions for anyone who might be considering becoming a foster family. (60 minutes)
7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer
7 p.m., Monday, March 12, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th

The Power of Words: Stories with Dylan Pritchett
Go on a journey of history, fantasy, culture and truth as Dylan Pritchett weaves African and African-American stories into a fun-packed evening! All ages welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (60 minutes)
7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water

Far and Wide: Stories with Dylan Pritchett
We grew up on stories told by Grandma and Grandpa! Make sure you come to hear Dylan Pritchett rekindle those age-old lessons learned which transcend time and place. Bring your children, laughter and smiles as Dylan tells stories of hope, strength and humor! He might play a little music too! For ages 4 and up with family. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (45-60 minutes)
1:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st
3:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th

Telling Stories with Impact: A Workshop with Dylan Pritchett
This workshop is designed to strengthen the storytelling skills of parents, teachers, librarians or anyone who wants to become a better storyteller! Pritchett's workshop will examine listening skills, voice inflection, body movement and purpose while having a whole lot of fun! Since 1990, Pritchett has been a full time storyteller, taking his African and African-American folktales to hundreds of schools throughout the country. He enjoys a close professional association with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he performs and leads workshops for teachers on using storytelling in the classroom. Registration required and begins Wednesday, Jan. 18; call the Angelou Northeast Branch Library at 688-9580 to register. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (3 hours)
Attention USD 259 teachers and librarians: Professional Development credit (3 hours) is available for attending this event. Go to mylearningplan.com to register to attend this event. Attendance will be taken at the workshop. If you have questions, please contact Janet Fowler, 3-2077.
8:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st

"When I Rise"
This documentary shares the story of a gifted black music student at the University of Texas who is thrust into a civil rights storm that changes her life forever. Barbara Smith Conrad is cast in an opera to co-star with a white male classmate, fueling a racist backlash from members of the Texas legislature. When Barbara is expelled from the cast, the incident escalates to national news, prompting unexpected support from a pop superstar. This small-town girl, whose voice and spirit stem from her roots in East Texas, emerges as an internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano and headlines on stages around the world. Not rated. Part of the Library's African-American History Month Celebration. (75 minutes)
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th

The 26th Annual Academy Award® Nominated Short Films
Save the date for this annual event. This is Wichita's chance to see Academy Award®-nominated short subjects--films running 40 minutes or less--in animation, live action and documentary categories. One of the first places in the nation to offer this program, Wichita's program attracts hundreds of film fans each year. Films are not rated and may not be suitable for all audiences. Enjoy animated, live action and documentary categories at the Warren Theatre at 21st & Tyler, and the Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway. Most branch library showings will feature animated and live action shorts, although the Rockwell Branch Library's will feature documentaries only. New this year is a Friday afternoon showing, and all showings take place before the big show--the Academy Awards itself! Be sure to vote for your favorites so we can determine if Wichita's favorites match the Academy's winners. Watch the Shorts page for more information as nominees are announced and films confirmed. All showings are FREE! (Running times vary)
10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 21st Street Warren Theatre, 9150 N. 21st (all categories)
1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian (animation & live action)
5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer (animation & live action)
5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas (animation & live action)
5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th (documentaries)
1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24, Maya Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st (animation & live action)
10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, The Orpheum Theatre, 200 N. Broadway (all categories)

What I Hate About My House
Learn affordable ways to evaluate the use of space at your house and easy decorating tips that will help you fall in love with your house again. Bring photos of your problem rooms to receive customized advice and ideas. (90 minutes)
2 p.m., Saturday, March 10, Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas

Beginning Genealogy 101: Paths to the Past
Join an eight-week class in the basics of genealogy. Beginning students will learn how to get started on researching and documenting their own family history. Session topics cover different types of searches, compiling information, and sharing your research. The cost is $30.00 for non-members of the Wichita Genealogical Society; this price includes a one-year membership in WGS. Current members pay $10.00. Registration is required and begins Feb. 1, 2012. Download a registration form here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). For complete information, visit the Wichita Genealogical Society's web site. (90 minutes)
7 p.m., Thursdays, March 29-May 17, Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian

Red Desert, Green Prairie, Blue Sky: Photographing the West
This national traveling exhibit unites the efforts of eight photographers working on three separate photography projects. Each project seeks to illuminate the beauty, tragedy, and strength of a different geographic region. Martin Stupich documents the lost of the wilderness, the red desert, to an energy boom in southern Wyoming. Central Kansas, the green prairie, is depicted by George Jerkovich in stunning panoramic photographs. The Llano Estacado ("Staked Plains") of northwest Texas is displayed by six artists tackling a variety of issues including the decline of cattle ranching, the difficulty of locating water, and the challenges of an economy shifting from agriculture to healthcare and education. "Red Desert, Green Prairie, Blue Sky" is a program of Exhibits USA, a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Opening reception: 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 25, Central Library, 223 S. Main
Exhibit typically available during business hours, Saturday, March 24, through Monday, April 30, Central Library, 223 S. Main

These programs are made possible in part by the City of Wichita. Thank you also to the Wichita Public Library Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Friends of the Wichita Public Library for making many of these events possible. Hands-on Help and technology training is made possible in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

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