Enoch Pratt Free Library

          The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis, c2007, provides a riveting analysis of the business side of football told in such a clear style that it can make a fan out of even someone who barely understands the game of football at all. The narrative delves into the economic reasons behind the need to protect the quarterback’s “blind side” and hence the search for the athlete who can fulfill the job. The story focuses on the remarkable life of Michael Oher: a gifted athlete and impoverished black teenager adopted by a well-to-do white family in Memphis. One of the most delightful aspects of the story is how stereotypes are dashed aside revealing memorable and very appealing true life individuals. This book is recommended for its depth of character, and it finishes strong, just at the point that Michael Oher begins his career with the Baltimore Ravens. You can reserve a copy of The Blind Side at the Hampden Branch Library and then see the movie now playing at the Rotunda.

Lights and seasonal decorations abound on 34th Street in Hampden as always, but did you know that the Family Center will receive $35,000 from Seedco, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities? For more information on the Family Center or Seedco, click here.

Don't forget to stop by the branch for baking ideas, craft projects, and holiday reading. Check out our new additions to the DVD collection!

Did you hear the news? The Hampden Branch now offers free wireless access! You can connect to the network with your Wi-Fi enabled laptop or other portable device.

For detailed instructions about logging in to the wireless network and configuring your wireless device, click on WI-FI@THE PRATT LIBRARY.

Be the first person in the neighborhood to come try it out!

The September book display at the Hampden Branch contains books for job seekers:  instructions for writing resumes and cover letters, tips on preparing for an interview, and books with career guidance and support.  Come in today to check out 150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs, Ten Steps to a Federal Job, and more!  We also have a paper list of employment web sites for you to take home.

In addition, the Enoch Pratt Free Library is now offering LIVE ONLINE RESUME HELP through a partnership with Tutor.com that provides a network of over 200 career specialists who are available to assist with real-time resume writing, identifying new job opportunities, setting up an email account, preparing for a job interview, and even walking through an online job application.

The Job & Career Information Center at Enoch Pratt Free Library is offering free classes, a resume review service, and extended computer sessions for job searchers.  See the web site for more information.

 
This year, HampdenFest takes place on Saturday, September 12.  The Film Fest is a new additional event coordinated by Mobtelevision and supported by the Hampden Family Center and the Rotunda Movie Theatre.

The Film Fest will exhibit short films created by Baltimore-area independent film makers.  It will take place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Hampden Family Center on The Avenue during HampdenFest.

At the same time, there will be a 48-hour film competition to make a short film about Hampden. These films will be showcased at the Rotunda Theatre on Sunday, September 13, the same time the winners of the HampdenFest film fest will be announced.  More information can be found online at http://www.hampdenfilmfestival.com

To learn more about filmmaking, check the Enoch Pratt Free Library catalog!  The following titles might be helpful: 

Film on Paper: The Inner Life of Movies by Richard Schickel (2008).

Documentary Filmmakers Speak by Liz Stubbs (2002).

Breaking In: How 20 Film Directors Got Their Start by Nicholas Jarecki (2001).

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee (1997).

Writing Short Scripts by William Phillips (1991).

How to Write a Movie in 21 Days by Vivi King (1988).