What's Happening at the Library in May?

Here's a look at what's going on at the Sachem PublicLibrary in May: 

Fiona Challenges the Northwest Passage: Monday, May 2, 7 p.m., Meet Captain Eric Forsyth, a deep water sailor for more than forty years, and share his amazing adventure through his documentary film, Fiona Challenges the Northwest Passage. Captain Forsyth will take you aboard his ship Fiona for an eleven-month, round-trip voyage from Patchogue to the Arctic via the Panama Canal. A discussion will follow the film.

Tour the Inside/Out Garden: Friday, May 6, 11 a.m.: JohnTour Inside/Out, the Library's outdoor extension, with Lucille Hoell and John Miller. These horticulturalists will help you discover the wonders of our four-season garden and share helpful hints that you can use in your own outdoor space. Weather permitting.

U.S. Canine Border Patrol: Tuesday, May 10, 7 p.m.: Canine Border Patrol Officers assigned to JFK Airport, along with their canine partners, will conduct a Narcotic and Agriculture Detector Dog presentation. Find out how these dogs defend our borders by detecting illegal narcotics or prohibited agricultural items. Only one out of every one hundred dogs passes the U.S. Border Patrol selection test and is accepted into the program. 

The Baseball Chronicles: Wednesday, May 18, 7 p.m.: This lyrical, nostalgic, and thoroughly entertaining look at the history and folklore of our national pastime covers many of the game's greatest moments and most legendary players. This Special Edition Director's Cut includes footage and interviews not seen in the film's TV broadcast on SNY & Comcast Sports. 

Pet Adoption Fair: Saturday, May 21, Noon-4 p.m.: Representatives from local nonprofit animal rescue groups will be in Inside/Out, the Library’s outdoor extension, with many pets looking for their ‘forever’ homes at our first-ever Pet Adoption Fair. There will be face painting and other fun activities for kids, as well as a special appearance by Dr. Elizabette Cohen, host of Your Healthy and Happy Pet on WCBS Newsradio 880. Bring the whole family, and go home with a new addition!

Schedule of Events

• 1 p.m. Trainer Debi Feliziani of Dog Works         
• 2 p.m. Dr. Elizabette Cohen, host of Your Healthy and Happy Pet on WCBS AM880
• 3 p.m. Ceremony honoring the Library’s therapy dogs and their trainer

Organizations in attendance will include: Bide a Wee, Grateful Greyhounds, Brookhaven Animal Rescue Alliance, Katie’s Critters, Pine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Guide Dog Foundation, Forgotten Friends of Long Island, Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, Kent Animal Shelter, Town of Islip Animal Shelter, Animal Rescue Force and Save-A-Pet.

Donations of collars, leashes, bowls, gently used linens, or unopened pet food will be gladly accepted for distribution to local shelters. Note: No outside pets permitted. Except for this special event, animals are not allowed in Inside/Out.

Coins and Paper Money: Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m.: Numismatist Lou Cialdella is back with an exciting look at the very rare 1943-D copper penny and other historic currency. Mr. Cialdella will also reveal the mystery of the $100 dollar bill.

Introduction to Weight Loss Surgery: Tuesday, May 24, 7 p.m. Obesity rates have increased dramatically over the last 25 years. Dr. Arif Ahmad of Long Island Laparoscopic Surgery will help you evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of weight loss surgery in order to decide whether it is right for you.

Replacement for Geology of Long Island: Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m.: Professor William Holt will discuss the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a natural disaster of epic proportions. Find out about the causes of the disaster, what was known about the region before the earthquake, and what we have learned about it since. Japan’s early warning system no doubt saved tens of thousands of lives. What will happen in regions of known earthquake potential that are not as well-prepared?

Sunday Performances

Calpulli Mexican Dancers: Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m.: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Calpulli captures the essence of Mexico with joyous dance and live music, celebrating the rich, regional dance traditions of Mexico's diverse cultural history. Elaborate costumes, insistent rhythms, and passion abound.

Nunsense: Sunday, May 15, 2 p.m.: What do you do when your convent needs to raise money to bury 52 sisters accidentally poisoned by the resident cook? If you're the Little Sisters of Hoboken, you stage a variety show! Plaza Theatrical will present this live musical performance featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises.

Island Hills Chorus: Sunday, May 22, 2 p.m.: Enjoy a cappella singing with a feminine touch! Under the direction of Wayne Grimmer, Island Hills Chorus, the award-winning, Huntington-based chapter of Sweet Adelines International, will present the rich sounds of four-part harmony.

Movies at the Library

Reel Rebels: Tuesday, May 3, 6 p.m.: Last Train Home: Intriguing, informative, sometimes controversial, but always thought provoking, this monthly series combines the best in film and discussion. This month's selection is a stunning, hypnotic, and haunting documentary which explores the human toll of China's economic boom as millions of migrant workers journey home to celebrate New Year's. Director: Lixin Fan; Starring: Changhua Zhan and Yang Zhang; Chinese with English subtitles.

Opera & Art Film Series: Carmen: The Metropolitan Opera HD Live Series: Wednesday, May 11, 1:30 and 6 p.m.: Director Richard Eyre makes his Metropolitan Opera debut with this gripping new production of Carmen set during the Spanish Civil War. The critics rave about this reinterpretation of a timeless favorite, starring Elina Garanca and Roberto Alagna.

Foreign Film: Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m.: The Son's Room: A psychoanalyst and his family experience profound emotional trauma after their son dies in a scuba accident. Director: Nanni Moretti; Starring: Nanni Moretti and Laura Morante; Italian with English subtitles.

Thursday Movies

Burlesque: May 5, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m: A small-town girl from Iowa gets a job at The Burlesque Lounge in Los Angeles, eventually making her way from the bar to the stage with her larger-than-life  voice.

127 Hours: May 12, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.: A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive. Based on a true story.

Life as We Know It: May 19, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.: Two single adults become caregivers to an orphaned girl when their mutual best friends die in an accident.

Unstoppable: May 26, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m: A veteran engineer and a young conductor race against the clock to prevent a catastrophe as an unmanned freight train barrels toward the city.