Library News and Notes: Swirczek to discuss writing on Saturday

Thomas Edison describes success and creativity as being “1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration,” and Malcolm Gladwell, in his book “The Outliers,” suggests 10,000 hours of practice for proficiency. Several programs, classes and books at the library will help provide mastery, whether with computer technology, creative writing or the perfect book to check out or to buy at the Friends March Book Sale. Local writer, professor, Nevada Appeal contributor and former city supervisor Marilee Swirczek definitely demonstrates both the inspiration and work ethic of which Edison spoke. Swirczek’s impeccable credentials include teaching (University of Hawaii, Honolulu, California State, Sacramento and, most recently, WNC, where she was English/Foreign Languages Chair and Instructor of the Year for 1990 and 1991, as well as Distinguished Nevadan in 2001. Her most recent accomplishment is project director for Always Lost: A Meditation on War, an arts/humanities exhibition that originated in her creative writing class in 2009.The Capital City Arts Initiative has scheduled a free reading and writing workshop featuring Swirczek, titled “How Not To Look Like a Novice: Avoiding Beginners’ Mistakes,” which will take place from 1-4 p.m. Saturday in the library auditorium. For both students and aspiring writers, revision and editing are difficult elements of the writing process.“There is no mystery to good writing,” Swirczek said. “Sometimes even the most experienced writer forgets that it is the subtle revision that speaks the loudest.”With writing proficiency tests upcoming, students and teachers will benefit from learning techniques and ideas to make their writing stronger. Swirczek’s classes have always been in high demand, and many local writers consider her instrumental in their success. Arrive early, as the venue is small.March Book Saleat the Warehouse “Shop Among Friends” is the new slogan for the monthly book sales, held at the book warehouse (900 N. Roop St., behind Denny’s), and if February’s book sale was any indication, the 10,000 hours put in by Friends volunteers has certainly achieved proficiency. Cindy Byington, Frieda Ford and Phyllis Patton have been instrumental in orchestrating the smooth operation and accessible set-up of the new facility. Joe Modarelli, Bob Byington, Cecile Critchfield, Julie Geise, Joanne Kennedy, Alex Brunell, Karen Crandall, Patty Ferguson and Judy Grenade are only a few of the many folks who donated time, cheerful assistance and “sweat equity” in order to ensure success. With an average of 30 boxes of books donated a day, there will be plenty to choose from during the March sale. The March Book Warehouse Sale begins with a members-only preview from 3-6 p.m. March 14, and continues from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on March, 15-16 at the new facility. The Browsers Corner at the library is open daily.Classes Available @2After a fun-filled official opening, the Digital Learning Center on the second floor of the library is fine-tuning its selection of free classes. One particularly innovative addition is a series taught in Spanish. March 3 at 10 a.m.: Computacion en Espanol: Lo Basico del Internet;March 12 at noon: Computacion en Espanol: Aprender Word;March 20 at 4:30 p.m.: Computacion en Espanol: Gmail;March 22 at 3:30 p.m.: Computacion en Espanol: Lo Basico del Internet.A class calendar is available at the library or register online at www.bookeo.com/carsoncitylibrary. Paula Poundstone TicketsComedian and outspoken advocate for libraries, Paula Poundstone, who works with Friends groups around the country to assist with fundraising and raising awareness of the importance of libraries, has rescheduled her appearance in Carson City. Poundstone’s appearance will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 29 at the Bob Boldrick Theater in the Community Center. Tickets are $45 for reserved seating and $35 for general admission, and can be purchased by going to www.ticketderby.com and going to Paula Poundstone; by check at the Browsers Corner Book Store within the library, or by calling Phyllis at 775-885-9807. Proceeds will benefit various Friends’ projects, which are essential to the library.Ongoing Eventsand programs• At 6 p.m. Thursday Explore the World @ the Library will present a discussion of Chile, presented by Danilo A. Muoz Ormeo.•The Mental Wellness Series on romantic relationships will present “Taste for Two,” part III of a three-part series. This monthly mental wellness series is presented by counseling therapists Kristopher Komarek, MSW, CSW-Intern and Jeffrey Davis, MSW, LCSW, and it begins at 6 p.m. March 11 in the library auditorium. As stated in the promotion, “Life is an occasion, make it special.”• The BookMasters Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. March 12 in the library auditorium to discuss the novel, “Churchill’s Secret Agent,” by Reno authors Max and Linda Ciampoli. Based upon a true story, the book tells the story of a young man whose acquaintance with Prime Minister Winston Churchill during World War II would lead to him being recruited and trained as a spy who would fight his own war from behind enemy lines.