| Adult Department |
| Programs and Services |
The films begin at 12:05, Wednesdays, in the library's main floor gallery.
They last about an hour. Bring your lunch and a cup; coffee is provided.
April 30 |
The Perfect Pearl Pure and perfect, a pearl is actually a brilliant mistake formed when an oyster reacts to an irritant lodged in its shell. Travel to a Japanese oyster hatchery to see how technology is advancing in pearl cultivation. Watch divers search for the immense pearls found in the world’s largest oyster, the Pinctada maxima. See a strand of South Sea perfect pearls worth $2.3 million and discover little known facts and authors, zoologists, scientists and pearl experts reveal the pearl’s wondrous history. |
May 7 |
Two short films & discussion, hosted by former HPL Librarian Anne Millhollen Dialogue at Washington High - Tenth grade students follow the example of a Palestinian and a Jew to make new connections. West Bank Story - As a parody of “West Side Story,” the film follows the romance between the relatives of the owners of rival falafel restaurants, one Israeli and the other Palestinian, respectively named the Kosher Kings and the Hummus Hut, in the West Bank. There will be a discussion following the two short films. |
May 14 |
Ben & Jerry's Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is known as much for its rich, unusual flavors as for its unique approach to business – with good will, good times, and ice cream as the cornerstone of the company. In 1977, Ben Cohen and Herr Greenfield enrolled in a $5 correspondence course to learn how to make ice cream, and one year later they opened the first Ben & Jerry’s homemade ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont. Their recipe was a sophisticated concoction: a blend of fresh Vermont milk, cream, and generous portions of whatever ingredients took their fancy. Flavor names like Cherry Garcia® and Karamel Sutra® are linked to Ben & Jerry’s connection to their counter-culture upbringing of the ‘70s. This in-depth feature includes candid interviews with Ben, Jerry, and other leaders of the exceptional company. |
May 21 |
Secrets of the Playing Card They have been around for centuries, a familiar diversion in countless cultures across the globe. Over time, playing cards have acquired a surprising amount of baggage – with hidden meanings and surprising tales buried in every deck. In this revelatory program, The History Channel® takes an in-depth look at the typical playing card and uncovers an intriguing journey that begins with its much-disputed origins in China, Persia, and Egypt. Discover the secrets behind the design of the playing card and learn about its rumored Masonic links. Why do playing cards have four suits? And what is the reasoning behind the use of such symbols as hearts, spades, diamonds, and clubs? “Secrets of the Playing Card” reveals the extraordinary story of the mysteries and meanings behind the humble playing card – a history intimately intertwined with the occult, voodoo, and humankind’s fascination with mystical belief. |
May 28 |
Jackie Gleason: Genius at Work Jackie Gleason knew that to produce his top-rated weekly CBS variety show he needed more than just witty monologues, innovative June Taylor choreography and big name guests. He personally had to garner the respect of his national audience, which he did superlatively with a cavalcade of compelling and lovable characters. As television’s pioneer weekend evening entertainer he created iconic personas and deservingly earned the title “Mr. Saturday Night.” “Jackie Gleason: Genius at Work” is a thorough retrospect of Jackie’s most popular characters. Most of the sketches have never before been available or even viewed since their original live broadcasts in the 1950s. This DVD presents some of Gleason’s funniest sketches in their near entirety, thereby preserving the magical cadence of his legendary performances. The show features Jackie Gleason’s widow Marilyn Taylor Gleason providing candid insight into her husband’s profound understanding of his characters. Mrs. Gleason performed often with her future husband and witnessed firsthand the genius at work. As well, she was June Taylor’s younger sister and a featured June Taylor Dancer. This special look back at Gleason’s work includes commentary by host Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO®). |
The Hays Public Library provides English as a Second Language and Literacy tutoring services on a one-to-one basis. The library has a room, computer, and other materials for the use of the
students and tutors for class sessions. Contact Paula Elder at the Library (785-625-9014) to become a student or tutor, or if you have any questions.
ESL Student Information
Literacy Student Information
Become a Tutor
In the ESL program, tutors assist students in speaking, writing, and reading English in a more proficient manner. Tutors can concentrate on any area the student requests, with practical use being the main focus – learning the vocabulary needed to build life skills. Volunteer tutors spend approximately one to two hours per week with their students working on what the student and tutor agree are areas of needed improvement. Tutors do not necessarily speak anything but English.
If you are interested in the ESL services, please contact Paula Elder at the Library (785-625-9014).
You may wish to fill out the ESL Student Form in advance. This form asks some basic questions which will help us find someone that should be able
to work well with you. You do not need to be a library patron nor do you need to be fluent in English.
In the Literacy program, tutors assist students in learning to read and write better and in improving vocabulary for people unable to read or write or who simply want to increase their skills. Tutors can concentrate on any area the student requests with practical use being the main focus. Volunteers spend approximately one to two hours per week with their students working on what the student and tutor agree are areas of needed improvement. Tutors can help with practical English usage for a variety of circumstances.
If you are interested in the Literacy services, please contact Paula Elder at the Library (785-625-9014).
You may wish to fill out the Literacy Student Form in advance. This form asks some basic questions which will help us find someone that should be able
to work well with you. You do not need to be a library patron nor do you need to be at any specific level of proficiency in English.
If there is enough interest, a class setting may be developed to meet basic English needs, in addition to the one-on-one tutoring. This would be approximately two hours per week.
If you are interested in a class setting, please contact Paula Elder at the Library (785-625-9014). Completing a student form (see above) would be helpful in setting up the kinds of services you want/need and in developing the class objectives.
If you are interested in being a tutor, please contact Paula Elder at the Library (785-625-9014) and complete this Tutor Information Form. It will provide us with some information that will help us match you to someone who needs your assistance. No experience is necessary, just a desire to help.
If you have questions, please contact Paula Elder at Hays Public Library.
Computer Basics will be held on Monday.
Microsoft Classes will be held every Wednesday.
Friday will either be a repeat of Wednesday or Question and Answer.
Classes begin at 10 am.
Please sign up at the front desk as we have limited seating.
The library has the DVDs Internet for Beginners and Email for Beginners from a series called Webwise Seniors, which can be checked out at the main desk.