Events for September 21 Through September 27

Though not literary news, Paducah Reads wishes to congratulate Mayfield native Kevin Skinner for winning America's Got Talent. Well done, Kevin!

Monday, September 21
To Kill A Mockingbird Discussion, Market Square Coffee (118 Market House Square, Paducah), 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., free.
Join the Market Square Book Club (meets 3rd Monday of every month at 1 p.m.) for a delicious brew and a lively discussion of To Kill A Mockingbird. Copies will be distributed at the September 21 meeting and the group will reconvene on October 19 to share their insights and impressions of one of the greatest novels of our time. Part of the National Endowment for the Arts program, The Big Read.

Tuesday, September 22
Story Time: Father Time Rocks Around the Clock, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

Tuesday, September 22
Mayfield Writing and Public Speaking Group, Graves County Public Library (601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY), 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., free. Every Tuesday.

Thursday, September 24
Graves County Public Library Story Hour (601 North 17th Street, Mayfield, KY), 10 a.m.-11 a.m., free.
Hear story books, sing silly songs, play games, make nifty crafts and eat goodies! Parents are invited to help children with the crafts and the refreshments. Please call the library at (270) 247-2911 to enroll your child. Every Thursday morning.

Thursday, September 24
Scrabble Night, McCracken County Public Library (2nd floor Conference Room, 555 Washington St., Paducah), 7 p.m., free.
Come play Scrabble! All ages/skill levels welcome. Last Thursdays of the month.

Thursday, September 24
Rhythm and Poetry, Club Plush (1200 North 8th St., Paducah), 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., free.
Writers, poets, musicians and fans: Head to Club Plush for a great evening of talent and entertainment! For more info., call the fabulously talented Darris Shelby, at (270) 556-0639.

Friday, September 25
Hal Holbrook: Mark Twain Tonight!, Carson Center (100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah), 7:30 p.m., $27.50 to $47.50 per person.
Hal Holbrook's one-man tour-de-force perfectly merges man and material. Given the author's rich vein of humor, Holbrook uses Twain's own words to comment with wry wit on the contemporary American scene. Currently available as part of the Carson Broadway Series Subscription package. Single tickets on sale later. When you purchase MARK TWAIN TONIGHT! tickets, you have the option of purchasing tickets for a pre-show restaurant-quality, gourmet dinner catered by Artisan Kitchen and served in the Myre River Room.

Friday, September 25
Paducah Writers Group readings, Etcetera Coffeehouse (320 North 6th St., Paducah), 7:30 p.m., free. Every Friday.

Saturday, September 26
Big Read Kick Off: To Kill a Mockingbird, Carson Center Lawn (100 Kentucky Avenue, Paducah), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.
The Carson Center and partner McCracken County Public Library are thrilled to celebrate the Big Read on the Carson Center Lawn. Join the celebration and meet Mary Badham, the actress who played Scout, opposite Gregory Peck in the 1962 movie version of To Kill A Mockingbird. Relax on the lawn as we enjoy the Southern folk/bluegrass music of Bawn in the Mash. Enjoy Dippin' Dots and receive a free copy of To Kill A Mockingbird. Hang around like Jem and Scout on a hot summer day or mosey on over to Paducah's Annual Barbecue on the River for more Southern fun. For more info., contact Mary Katz at (270) 443-9932, x250.

Saturday, September 26
Rivertown Reading Series: Novelist Squire Babcock, Yesier Art Center (200 Broadway, Paducah), 8 p.m., free.
Squire Babcock, novelist and associate professor of English at Murray State University, will be reading from his new novel The King of Gaheena. Infused with its wealth of symbolism, Babcock's novel is a compelling tale that contrasts normalcy, whatever that may be, against paradoxes revealed in nature and humanity. Call (270) 442-2453 for more info.


Ongoing Events
September 20 through September 26
TV Turn-Off Week, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah).

Monday, Sept. 21
Sidewalk Chalk Drawing, library parking lot, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
Story Time, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.

Wednesday, Sept. 23
Play "Magic: The Gathering," Library Conference Room, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free. Bring your own decks or use cards provided.

Thursday, Sept. 24
Scrabble Night, Library Conference Room, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., free.

Friday, Sept. 25
Read a good book!, Library Meeting Room, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., free.
Hang out and read new 2009 titles, now available to check out and take home.

Saturday, Sept. 26
The Big Read Kick-Off Party, Carson Center lawn, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

September 1 through December 22
Story Time, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

August 12, 2009 through April 2010
Story Time, Calloway County Public Library (710 Main Street, Murray, KY), various times (check times below), free (but registration required).
Story Times are NOT drop in. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register a child or for more information, contact Sandy Linn, Youth Services Librarian, Monday-Wednesday, 8:00-4:30 or on Saturday, 9:00-4:30, at (270) 753-2288 or email her at sandy.linn@callowaycountylibrary.org.

Library Toddlers #1
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 9:30-10 a.m.

Library Toddlers #2
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 10:20-10:50 a.m.

Preschool Story Time
Children age 3 through 5 accompanied by an adult who assists the child with listening and sitting skills, participation and activities. Includes picture books, music, films, and craft activities.
Wednesday 11-11:45 a.m.

Events for September 14 Through September 20

Monday, September 14
West Kentucky Songwriters Chapter: Nashville Songwriters Association International, Curris Center (Murray State University, Murray, KY), 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Call (270) 293-7252 for more info.

Tuesday, September 15
Story Time: Puppet Picnic Under Great Grandfather Silvertree, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

Tuesday, September 15
Mayfield Writing and Public Speaking Group, Graves County Public Library (601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY), 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., free. Every Tuesday.

Thursday, September 17
Graves County Public Library Story Hour (601 North 17th Street, Mayfield, KY), 10 a.m.-11 a.m., free.
Hear story books, sing silly songs, play games, make nifty crafts and eat goodies! Parents are invited to help children with the crafts and the refreshments. Please call the library at (270) 247-2911 to enroll your child. Every Thursday morning.

Thursday, September 17
Teaching To Kill a Mockingbird, Carson Center (Green Room, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah), 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m., free.
Connie Alexander of Teacher Quality Institute of Murray State University will conduct this one hour professional development session. She will help guide teachers in new ways to present material from To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as sharing valuable resources and facilitating writing activities related to the book. She will also provide teachers with details on how to engage students on an exciting writing contest about To Kill a Mockingbird. This event is open to the public. Book club leaders and teachers are encouraged. Door Prizes and refreshments will be available.

Thursday, September 17
"The Houses of Alben Barkley" with Steve Gabany, McCracken County Public Library (library meeting room, 555 Washington St., Paducah), 7 p.m., free.
This interesting discussion led by Gabany, author of the recent 2nd edition Historic Architecture of Paducah & McCracken County, will cover several homes and buildings associated with the Veep. He will trace the rich architectural history of the buildings using computer graphics. Steve Gabany and his wife Carol moved to Paducah three years ago as part of the Artist Relocation Program. They completed the renovation of the "Sebree House", 6th and Madison, which serves as an art studio and bed and breakfast. Copies of his architectural books will be available for purchase & autographing. For more information, contact Bobbie Wrinkle at (270) 442-2510 ext. 19 (toll-free: [866] 829-7532) or at bwrinkle@mclib.net.

Thursday, September 17
Rhythm and Poetry, Club Plush (1200 North 8th St., Paducah), 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., free.
Writers, poets, musicians and fans: Head to Club Plush for a great evening of talent and entertainment! Free! For more info., call the fabulously talented Darris Shelby, at (270) 556-0639.

Friday, September 18
Molly Harper Book Signing, Market Square Coffee (118 Market House Square),11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., free.
Molly Harper's second book, Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men, comes out the end of August and will be available for purchase at Market Square Coffee. Molly will be available to share from, and autograph, her new book. Call (270) 444-0044 for more info.

Friday, September 18
Paducah Writers Group readings, Etcetera Coffeehouse (320 North 6th St., Paducah), 7:30 p.m., free. Every Friday.


Ongoing Events
September 1 through December 22
Story Time, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

August 12, 2009 through April 2010
Story Time, Calloway County Public Library (710 Main Street, Murray, KY), various times (check times below), free (but registration required).
Story Times are NOT drop in. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register a child or for more information, contact Sandy Linn, Youth Services Librarian, Monday-Wednesday, 8:00-4:30 or on Saturday, 9:00-4:30, at (270) 753-2288 or email her at sandy.linn@callowaycountylibrary.org.

Library Toddlers #1
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 9:30-10 a.m.

Library Toddlers #2
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 10:20-10:50 a.m.

Preschool Story Time
Children age 3 through 5 accompanied by an adult who assists the child with listening and sitting skills, participation and activities. Includes picture books, music, films, and craft activities.
Wednesday 11-11:45 a.m.

Late Addition: Bring Your Family to the Library Night

Thursday, September 10
Bring Your Family to the Library Night, Benton Library Meeting Room (1003 Poplar St., Benton, KY), 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., free.
Everyone is invited to come out with their families and enjoy snacks, prizes, and our family photo booth. The World of Reptiles presented by Scott Shupe will begin at 5 p.m. Come see live snakes, lizards, turtles, and more!

Announcement: A Gathering of Writers and Songwriters!

October 16-18
A Gathering of Writers and Songwriters, Kenlake State Resort Park (542 Kenlake Rd, Hardin, KY), $205.

There are only nine out of thirty spots still available for this special writers' retreat. Sign-up now to work with noted Kentucky authors and songwriters: Anne Shelby, Silas House, and Kate Larken. Guest presenters will include Jason Howard, Jen Wallwork Dominguez, Squire Babcock, and Constance Alexander.

See Motes Books website for complete information.

Events for September 7 Through September 13

Please Note: Your libraries will be closed Monday, September 7th for Labor Day.

Tuesday, September 8
Story Time: Canine Cut-ups, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

Tuesday, September 8
Mayfield Writing and Public Speaking Group, Graves County Public Library (601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY), 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., free. Every Tuesday.
This week the Mayfield Writing and Public Speaking Group has invited Don Johnson, local author. Let Don Johnson inspire you. Everyone is invited to attend.

Thursday, September 10
Graves County Public Library Story Hour (601 North 17th Street, Mayfield, KY), 10 a.m.-11 a.m., free.
Hear story books, sing silly songs, play games, make nifty crafts and eat goodies! Parents are invited to help children with the crafts and the refreshments. Please call the library at (270) 247-2911 to enroll your child. Every Thursday morning.

Thursday, September 10
Rhythm and Poetry, Club Plush (1200 North 8th St., Paducah), 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., free.
Writers, poets, musicians and fans: Head to Club Plush for a great evening of talent and entertainment! Free! For more info, call the fabulously talented Darris Shelby, at (270) 556-0639. Free.

Friday, September 11
Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling Event; Badgett Playhouse (1838 JH O'Bryan, Grand Rivers, KY); 7 p.m.; Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children $11.
The Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling event is scheduled for September 11th and 12th. Enjoy two full nights of funny, entertaining, and inspiring stories and songs of life in the south. Performers include storytellers and award-winning recording artists Michael Reno Harrell, Kim Weitcamp, and Gran' Daddy Junebug Mitch Capel. Visit the website for more info. or call the box office at (888) 362-4223.

Friday, September 11
Paducah Writers Group readings, Etcetera Coffeehouse (320 North 6th St., Paducah), 7:30 p.m., free. Every Friday.

Saturday, September 12
West Kentucky Christian Writers' Group, Concord UMC (brick house/office behind church, 5178 Hinkleville Rd., Paducah), 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., free.
Bring something short to read or just drop in and join the discussion. Meets (generally) on the second Saturday of every month. If you have any questions, e-mail bdickerson @ comcast dot org.

Saturday, September 12
Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling Event; Badgett Playhouse (1838 JH O'Bryan, Grand Rivers, KY); 7 p.m.; Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children $11.
The Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling event is scheduled for September 11th and 12th. Enjoy two full nights of funny, entertaining, and inspiring stories and songs of life in the south. Performers include storytellers and award-winning recording artists Michael Reno Harrell, Kim Weitcamp, and Gran' Daddy Junebug Mitch Capel. Visit the website for more info. or call the box office at (888) 362-4223.


Ongoing Events
September 11 through September 12
Graves County Public Library Friends' Book and Bake Sale (601 N. 17th Street, Mayfield, KY), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission.
There will be hardback books, paperbacks, audio books, videos, etc. Also, check out the new table of "Nearly New" hardbacks priced at $2.00 each. The bake sale will include cookies, cakes, pies, candy, and more. Proceeds benefit the Graves County Friends of the Library.

September 11 through September 12
Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling Event; Badgett Playhouse (1838 JH O'Bryan, Grand Rivers, KY); 7 p.m.; Adults $14, Seniors $12, Children $11.
Enjoy two full nights of funny, entertaining, and inspiring stories and songs of life in the south. Performers include storytellers and award-winning recording artists Michael Reno Harrell, Kim Weitcamp, and Gran' Daddy Junebug Mitch Capel. Visit the website for more info. or call the box office at (888) 362-4223.

September 1 through December 22
Story Time, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

August 12, 2009 through April 2010
Story Time, Calloway County Public Library (710 Main Street, Murray, KY), various times (check times below), free (but registration required).
Story Times are NOT drop in. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register a child or for more information, contact Sandy Linn, Youth Services Librarian, Monday-Wednesday, 8:00-4:30 or on Saturday, 9:00-4:30, at (270) 753-2288 or email her at sandy.linn@callowaycountylibrary.org.

Library Toddlers #1
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 9:30-10 a.m.

Library Toddlers #2
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 10:20-10:50 a.m.

Preschool Story Time
Children age 3 through 5 accompanied by an adult who assists the child with listening and sitting skills, participation and activities. Includes picture books, music, films, and craft activities.
Wednesday 11-11:45 a.m.

Events for August 31 Through September 6

Monday, August 31
Book Ends Book Club, Graves County Public Library (601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY), 5:30 p.m., free.
Discussing God's Gift to Women by Michael Baisden. If you have always wanted to talk about a good story after you've read it, this is the group for you. All you need to do is just call the Library at (270) 247-2911 to sign up. They'll have a copy of the book waiting for you. Meets the first Monday of the month (except for holidays).

Tuesday, September 1
Story Time: Quacking Up with Doctor Duck, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

Tuesday, September 1
Story Hour, Marshall County Public Library: Calvert City branch (23 Park Road, Calvert City, KY), 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., free.
Children ages 4-6. Your child will enjoy stories and fun with Ms. Kelly & other children. During this hour, your child will read exciting books, play fun games, and make crafts too! Story Hour is a great opportunity for your child to meet new friends and be introduced to the world of books and reading at an early age. We strive to promote life-long readers and library users!

Tuesday, September 1
Mayfield Writing and Public Speaking Group, Graves County Public Library (601 N. 17th St., Mayfield, KY), 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., free. Every Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 2
Mother Goose Story Time, Marshall County Library: Benton branch (1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY), 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., free.
A 30-minute program for 3-year-olds. All children should be accompanied by an adult. Mother Goose is a program in which your child will participate in activities geared towards young readers. It will include books, games, and crafts. This is a great way to introduce your child to the world of reading!

Wednesday, September 2
Story Hour, Marshall County Public Library: Benton branch (1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY), 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., free.
Children ages 4-6. Your child will enjoy stories and fun with Ms. Kelly & other children. During this hour, your child will read exciting books, play fun games, and make crafts too! Story Hour is a great opportunity for your child to meet new friends and be introduced to the world of books and reading at an early age. We strive to promote life-long readers and library users!

Wednesday, September 3
Discussions From Off the Shelf with Andrew Halford, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah) in the Library Meeting Room, 12 p.m., free.
Andrew Halford, WKCTC professor, will be discussing Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. For more information, contact Julie Hart by telephone at (270) 442-2510 ext. 13 (Toll-free (866) 829-7532) or email her at jhart@mclib.net.

Thursday, September 3
Story Hour, Marshall County Public Library: Hardin branch (104 2nd Street, Hardin, KY), 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., free.
Children ages 4-6. Your child will enjoy stories and fun with Ms. Kelly & other children. During this hour, your child will read exciting books, play fun games, and make crafts too! Story Hour is a great opportunity for your child to meet new friends and be introduced to the world of books and reading at an early age. We strive to promote life-long readers and library users!

Thursday, September 3
Graves County Public Library Story Hour (601 North 17th Street, Mayfield, KY), 10 a.m.-11 a.m., free.
Hear story books, sing silly songs, play games, make nifty crafts and eat goodies! Parents are invited to help children with the crafts and the refreshments. Please call the library at (270) 247-2911 to enroll your child. Every Thursday morning.

Thursday, September 3
Rhythm and Poetry, Club Plush (1200 North 8th St., Paducah), 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., free.
Writers, poets, musicians and fans: Head to Club Plush for a great evening of talent and entertainment! Free! For more info, call the fabulously talented Darris Shelby, at (270) 556-0639. Free.

Friday, September 4
Paducah Writers Group readings, Etcetera Coffeehouse (320 North 6th St., Paducah), 7:30 p.m., free. Every Friday.


Ongoing Events
September 1 through September 2
48 Hour Film Project Screenings, Maiden Alley Cinema (112 Maiden Alley, Paducah), 7 p.m., $5 general admission.
The 48 Hour Film Project is a wild and sleepless weekend in which pre-registered teams make a movie—write, shoot, edit and score it—in just 48 hours. On Friday night, the teams get a character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a genre, all to include in their movie. 48 hours later, the movie must be complete. If it isn't received by 7:30 on Sunday evening, then it cannot be considered for the top prize. The City Winner will be screened at Filmapalooza, the official 48HFP Awards Weekend. In 2008, some 30,000 filmmakers made films in 70 cities. This year, we're even bigger, with filmmakers around the world taking the challenge to make a film in just 48 hours. Call (270) 441-7007 for info.

September 1 through December 22
Story Time, McCracken County Public Library (555 Washington St., Paducah), 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free.
Join Ms. Retta, Bob Dog, and Ms. Cherri as they share with young and old alike in their special program of stories, puppets, and songs. Each program is designed for preschoolers and their caregivers. Tuesdays.

August 12, 2009 through April 2010
Story Time, Calloway County Public Library (710 Main Street, Murray, KY), various times (check times below), free (but registration required).
Story Times are NOT drop in. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register a child or for more information, contact Sandy Linn, Youth Services Librarian, Monday-Wednesday, 8:00-4:30 or on Saturday, 9:00-4:30, at (270) 753-2288 or email her at sandy.linn@callowaycountylibrary.org.

Library Toddlers #1
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 9:30-10 a.m.

Library Toddlers #2
Children age 12 months (walkers) through 36 months accompanied by an adult who assists the child with participation as well as listening and sitting skills.
Includes board books, music, and toy time.
Wednesday 10:20-10:50 a.m.

Preschool Story Time
Children age 3 through 5 accompanied by an adult who assists the child with listening and sitting skills, participation and activities. Includes picture books, music, films, and craft activities.
Wednesday 11-11:45 a.m.

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