Library Series Focuses on Bullying Prevention
September 15, 2014 — October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about the devastating effects of bullying on kids and teens, and prevention methods.
The Library will offer a series of programs Oct. 2-27 at various Library branches to help different age groups understand and overcome bullying. The keynote program is a talk at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 by Tina Meier, whose daughter Megan committed suicide after being bullied online. Their family tragedy helped bring the trend of online bullying to national attention.
Here is the schedule of events:
"Bully" Film Showing
This documentary, rated PG-13, follows the impact of bullying on five youths and their families in one school year. A discussion will follow the film. For age 13 and older.
• Saturday, October 18, 2 p.m., Brentwood Branch.
• Wednesday, October 22, 6 p.m., Library Station Frisco Room.
Sticks, Stones and Special Needs
Tuesday, October 21, 6 p.m., Library Center meeting rooms A & B. Michele Fields from Abilities First and Deirdra Harris, a professional counselor from Ozarks Counseling Center, will discuss the rights and resources available to children with special needs and tips for teaching self-advocacy to a special needs child. Parents, families and educators are all welcome to attend.
An Evening with Tina Meier
Monday, October 27, 6 p.m., Brentwood Branch, for all ages.
Tina Meier's daughter Megan committed suicide after being bullied online. Tina will share Megan's story, discuss the pervasive forms of bullying and conduct a Q&A. Families are encouraged to attend; some material may be inappropriate for young children. The event will be simulcast live to the Library Center, Library Station and
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library.
Adult Book Discussions
• NXT Chapter: A Book Group for 20/30-Somethings
Thursday, October 2, 7:30 p.m., Library Center Harrison Room, for ages 20-39.
“Everybody Sees the Ants” by A.S. King. Refreshments will be served.
• Wednesday, October 8, 1 p.m., Library Center meeting room A. “Reconstructing Amelia” by Kimberly McCreight.
• Thursday, October 9, 1:30 p.m., Republic Branch. “Defending Jacob” by William Landay.
• Thursday, October 23, 1:30 p.m., Library Station Santa Fe Room. Visit with others about the current read. “So Far Away” by Meg Mitchell Moore.
• Tuesday, October 28, 1:30 p.m., Brentwood Branch, "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio.
For Teens
"Choose Kindness" Postcard Art Competition for Grades 6-12
How does it feel to be bullied, or to watch someone getting picked on? Express your feelings through art. Pick up an entry form at any Library branch beginning October 1 and use any medium to create postcard art. Submit your postcard to any branch by October 20. Postcards will be displayed on our Tumblr page and at the Brentwood Branch during “An Evening with Tina Meier.” Winner will receive a certificate and a $20 Hobby Lobby gift card.
Bully Blockers
Learn the best ways to deal with bullies from a martial arts expert. Theron Sturgess, owner of Dynamic Edge Martial Arts, provides a common sense approach to dealing with bullies using confidence and conflict resolution.
• Friday, October 10, 4-6 p.m., Library Station Story Hour Room, grades 4-8.
• Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m., Brentwood Branch, grades 4-12. Registration starts October 8; call 883-1974.
Haiku of Oppression
Monday, October 20, 3:30 p.m., Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room, grades 6-12. Write a haiku reflecting your personal stories of bullying or oppression and submit it in the Teen Room September 1-30. On October 20, Jon Herbert, Ozarks Technical Community College theater instructor, will lead a group of young people in a live dramatization based on one teen's haiku.
For Kids
Express Yourself: Exploring Emotions Through Art
Friday, October 3, 3:30 p.m., Brentwood Branch, for grades 2-6. Children will be free to explore their emotions through drawing, painting, sculpture and collage in an effort to show them how art can provide a source of calm and inspiration in good times and bad.
"Incredible Me" Storytime
Children begin developing a sense of self at birth, and parents and family members are role models who can help them develop strong self-esteem and a positive attitude. Join us at any of these branches for a fun storytime filled with songs and activities that celebrate how incredible each of us is! For all ages.
• Monday, October 20, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Brentwood Branch.
• Wednesday, October 22, 11 a.m., Fair Grove Branch.
• Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday, October 21-22 and 24, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m., Library Center Story Hour Room.
• Monday, October 20, 10 a.m.; Tuesday, October 21, 10 and 11:15 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and Friday, October 24, 10 and 11:15 a.m., Library Station Story Hour Room.
• Friday, October 24, 10 a.m., Midtown Carnegie Branch.
• Wednesday and Friday, October 22 and 24, 10 a.m., Republic Branch.
• Tuesday, October 21, 11 a.m., Strafford Branch.
• Tuesday, October 21, 11 a.m., Willard Branch.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus on raising awareness about the devastating effects of bullying on kids and teens, and prevention methods.