July Teen Programs: Stretch Yourself @ Your Library

Journal Making Learn how to make a journal using some basic book-binding techniques. The library will supply all the materials. Monday, July 9 at 7:00 pm in the second floor Teen Area. Grades 6 and up.

Minute to Win It Olympics In celebration of the Summer Olympics the library will be hosting its own kind of competition – a Minute to Win It contest. Using everyday objects, attempt to complete a challenge in 60 seconds or less. Think you can empty a tissue box with one hand in a minute?? We'll see! Prizes will be given to the winners. Monday, July 30 at 7:00 pm in Druker Auditorium. Grades 6-12.

Mother-Daughter Book Club, Thursdays, July-September Join us on Thursdays, August 16 and September 20 at 7:30 pm in the second floor Teen Area for the Mother-Daughter book club. Bring your ideas so we can choose a book for the August 16 meeting. Registration is required. Please call Liz, the Teen Librarian, at 617-796-1380 or email teens@newtonfreelibrary.net. Ages 12-15.

Financial Reform and the Economy

Join Congress-man Barney Frank on Monday, July 16 at 7:00 pm for the final program in the Financial Literacy at the Library series. In a talk titled Financial Reform and the Economy, Congressman Frank will discuss how to reduce the budget deficit without reducing the quality of life in America. Seating is limited and will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

The Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank represents the Fourth Congressional District of Massachusetts. In 2010 he helped pass the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a new law that the Washington Post called "the most sweeping overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system since the Great Depression".

Barney Frank began his career in the Massachusetts State House where he served for eight years before winning a seat in the U.S. Congress in 1980. Although he is widely recognized for his work on national issues, Congressman Frank has also worked hard for his Massachusetts constituents. He has fought for affordable rental housing, to bring a commuter rail to the south coast, for New Bedford fishermen, and has supported many local organizations and businesses.

This program is made possible by a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation through Smart investing @ your library®, a partnership with the American Library Association.

So Much, So Fast, So Little Time

Today's rapid advances in technology provide benefits and conveniences, but have troubling consequences. Ubiquitous connectivity via Wi-Fi with devices such as iPads and smart phones with apps that do more than the computers of just a few years ago change how we perceive our world, time and how we relate to each other. Join Newton author Michael St. Clair for a revealing talk based on his new book So Much, So Fast, So Little Time. The book examines the extraordinary changes that technology brings and its effect on individuals and society at large. The talk will take place on Tuesday, July 24 at 7:30 pm and will be followed by a book signing with books provided by New England Mobile Book Fair.

So Much, So Fast, So Little Time

• Examines the universal experiences of both frustration and delight with modern technologies and devices in our 21st-century world
• Provides a positive outlook and balanced view of modern cultural issues and changes
• Explains how modern technology changes our sense of reality and privacy, affects our attention span, ability to focus and causes fatigue

Michael St. Clair, PhD, is emeritus professor of psychology at Emmanuel College. In his almost 40 years of teaching he has covered topics in psychology, history, art and religion, and has published several books and articles. His current interest is in the area of rapid change and how it alters people and their behavior.

Computer Classes

Stop by the library and sign up for a free one-session computer class in Internet, PC Basics or other topics. For more information call 617-796-1380 or see class schedule.