Independent Film Night Thursday, July 14th @ 6:30 - If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle - a film by Florin Serban

Join us Thursday, July 14th for the latest installment of our Independent Film Series: If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle by Florin Serban (2010). A Romanian love story of sorts. The story takes place in a prison where the inmate protagonist, Silviu has only two weeks left to go before he's released. But when his mother, who abandoned him long ago, returns and threatens to take his brother away -- his brother whom he was forced, by their mother's abandonment, to raise as a son -- the two weeks begin to feel like eternity. He can find no quarter for help and is driven to a surprising act of defiance in a desperate grasp for freedom. This is a nuanced psychological drama you won't want to miss. 93 mins. In Romanian with English subtitles. This screening made possible by the Friends of the Pollard Library.

The Pollard Library Independent Film series occurs the 2nd Thursday of every month! Please note: These Independent films are not rated by the MPAA and should be considered for mature audiences.

Beach Weather

Beach weather has descended on the Merrimack Valley and for many of us, our thoughts have turned to the shoreline. Today's Wall Street Journal has an interesting article judging the latest crop of eReaders based on their readability in extreme conditions, such as bright sun. Food for thought, if you're in the market for one of these devices. Don't forget to also pack a lunch for your beach day!

And if you're looking for recommendations for what reading material you might fill your tablet or tote with before you head out, you should check out NPR's extensive annual list of recommended summer reading. They've got book lists for every fancy and every reader in your family. So get out there and have fun! Oh, and don't forget the sunblock!

Tsongas Center Backyard Music Series Kicks Off Thursday June 30th @ 6PM

This summer, head on back, behind the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, along the scenic Merrimack River for a new Backyard Music Series! Bring the entire family down with your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the beautiful Summer weather with an evening of FREE music. Each show will feature a different genre of music, all perfect for adults and kids alike.

Series Schedule:

June 30th—Island Castaways (Jimmy Buffet Tribute)

July 14th—Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion

July 21st—Yani Batteau and the Styles

August 4th—Richard James and the Name Changers

August 11th—The Flip

August 18th—Melvern Taylor and the Fabulous Meltones

Library will be closed Independence Day Weekend & Summer Hours are in effect.

In observance of Independence Day, the Library will be closed Monday, July 4, 2011. The library will reopen 9AM Tuesday, July 5, 2011.

Also, please note that beginning this week, the Library will be observing our Summer Hours through Labor Day weekend:

SUMMER HOURS

Monday—Thursday 9am-9pm

Friday 9am-5pm

Saturday-Sunday CLOSED

The library will reopen on Saturdays beginning September 10, 2011.

Free Fun Fridays

The Highland Street Foundation will be offering its Free Fun Fridays program. Starting next Friday, July 1^st different cultural attractions across Massachusetts (places like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the Franklin Park Zoo) will provide free admission on different Fridays and host other special events throughout the summer. No registration or tickets are necessary. For more information please visit www.highlandstreet.org.

Civil War Trading Cards Now Available

The sesquicentennial commemoration of the opening of the Civil War continues this summer at the Pollard Library (a.k.a. Memorial Hall). We have five Civil War Trading cards created by the Lowell National Historical Park each featuring a different Lowellian who was somehow involved in the conflict between North and South. Look for them on the various public desks in the library, we'll be putting out one card per month available for free (while supplies last). Collect them all!

Out now until the end of July (while supplies last):

Luther Ladd, a mill worker and soldier from Lowell who was killed along with two other soldiers (including fellow Lowellian Addison Whitney) on April 19, 1861 while marching through Baltimore on the way to Washington with the Lowell City Guards (6th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers) making he and Whitney two of the first four casualties of the Civil War. Ladd and Whitney are buried under the obelisk in front of City Hall.

And coming up in August: Abba Goddard.

It's not too late to be involved with Lowell Sustainability Week

This week is Lowell Sustainability week and by clicking on the previous link, you know there are lots of great events going on, including an outdoor screening and discussion of a "green film" tonight at the Shedd Park Pavilion, a beekeeping workshop Friday, and a City-wide bike tour Saturday. One of the most interesting ways you can get participate in Lowell Sustainability Week is by taking part in the online virtual planning tool called Community PlanIt. It's truly unique and pretty fun, and you have until Saturday to sign up and play. Don't miss out on this opportunity to contribute to the planning of your community! More info is available on the City's Website.