Libraries offer impressive programs

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:42AM

Beyond the books, lots of good things are happening at area public libraries, from computer classes to toddler time, plus health sessions, concerts, foreign films and more.

From the impressive scope of offerings, two events stand out: tonight’s program with rock ’n’ roll photographer Bobby Talamine at the Michigan City Public Library, and two upcoming Great Decisions world affairs discussions.

Since 1977, Talamine has photographed the who’s who of rock ’n’ roll. Eight examples of his work are on display at the library. At tonight’s opening at 7, Talamine will talk about his work, show more photos and answer questions.

“He’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, like Lady Gaga, the Rolling Stones, Springsteen, U2, Bono — just about anyone you can think of,” said Robin Kohn of the library. “He does concert photos, album covers and is a really cool young guy.”

A reception with Talamine follows the program.

The Michigan City Public Library is at 100 E. 4th St. For more information, call 873-3044.

Michigan City is also one of the area libraries offering Great Decisions. The other is the Dyer-Schererville Branch of the Lake County Public Library, 1001 W. Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) in Schererville (322-4731).

“Great Decisions is a foreign-policy program where you get to hear from experts on issues of today,” said Kohn, the facilitator at Michigan City. “You have the opportunity to hear both sides of issues, then have a discussion.”

This program is also a PBS television series produced by the Foreign Policy Association. Topics this year are Middle East realignment, promoting democracy, Mexico, cybersecurity, exit from Afghanistan and Iraq, state of the oceans, Indonesia, and energy geopolitics.

The DVD of the TV series serves as a starting point for each library’s discussion. The video presents several interviews with experts presenting background information and posing diverse opinions. From there, the groups discuss the subject and America’s role in these challenging foreign-policy issues.

“The whole point is, what decision would you make if you were in a position to affect our foreign policy?” said Susan Gempka, facilitator of the Lake County Public Library Great Decisions. “It’s a great learning opportunity and really makes you think.

“We start with the 20-minute DVD. Group members who have purchased the book ($20 at www.fpa.org) read ahead on the topic. From there, we talk about what’s going on in the news and is pertinent.

“At our second session, we might show another video about that part of the world or look at something that’s on YouTube, and some participants might bring in related articles. We’ve even had guest speakers who are knowledgeable about that part of the world — like last year, when we spoke on the phone with a woman in Afghanistan.

“People shouldn’t think they have to come with knowledge about the subject. This is for people who enjoy learning about another part of the world and want to learn and get a better perspective.”

Both Great Decisions programs begin the week of Feb. 13. The Michigan City group meets from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. every other Monday. The Dyer-Schererville group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every other Tuesday. Both groups welcome participants for the entire series or for a specific topic.