Adult Summer takes on The Odyssey

Once again, our Adult Summer Reading Program will take the form of a Big Book Challenge, and this summer, we’re focusing on Homer’s The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson. While it’s far from the longest book we’ve tackled, the epic Greek poem is one of the most enduring stories in western literature, and Wilson’s translation is first English translation by a woman, giving new insight into The Odyssey nearly 3,000 years after its inception.

Over the summer, we’ll explore this foundational epic in monthly discussions, supplemented by a fantastic line-up of lectures and cultural programming. Our program kicks off at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 when participants can pick up books and reading guides. Additional programs include a keynote address from Washington University Senior Lecturer in Classics Dr. Kate Wilson on Wednesday, June 11; a field trip to explore the era and themes of The Odyssey through art at the St. Louis Art Museum; a performance of traditional Greek dance by the St. Nicholas Greek Dance Troupe; and a film screening of O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the Coen Brothers’ satirical take on The Odyssey.

For more information on all of our summer reading programs, visit the Adult Summer Reading page of our website. If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this (very) brief RSVP so we know how many books and other materials we’ll need.

Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t add our thanks to the Library Services and Technology Act, which is appropriated by Congress and administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Missouri Secretary of State, which makes this program possible. We can’t wait to read with you!

Shaw Nature Reserve director to visit UCPL July 7

Join us at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 7 for a talk with Quinn Long, Director of Shaw Nature Reserve. Long’s talk, titled “Celebrating a Century of Conservation: Shaw Nature Reserve; Past, Present, & Future,” centers on the history of how the Missouri Botanical Garden acquired this rural land to provide a refuge for plant collections threatened by air pollution — and how it has become a regional leader for ecological restoration, native plant horticulture, and environmental education.

The Shaw Nature Reserve contributes to a unique visitor experience and fulfills the mission of the Garden towards global plant conservation efforts. Join us as we celebrate the past and look toward a bright future of protecting our regional biodiversity.

For more information, email reference@ucitylibrary.org or call 314-727-3150. This free program is intended for adults but open to all ages.

Join us for monthly events just for senior residents!

Older adults are invited to join us on the second Friday of each month at 11 a.m. in the auditorium for a new series of lunch-and-learn events focused on U.City’s senior residents. The monthly series will feature local experts discussing programs and services that are available for seniors in the St. Louis area. Upcoming events and topics are:

  • Friday, March 14 — UCPL Services for Seniors
  • Friday, April 11 — St. Louis County CORP
  • Friday, May 9 — U City in Bloom & SHED

     Lunch is provided free-of-charge to those over 60 who pre-register for the event. Free transportation may be available to those who qualify. Call 636-207-0847 to register and learn more. Visit our events calendar to learn more, and for links to register online.
     This series is presented in partnership with the University City Senior Commission and Aging Ahead.

Lots of virtual author talks coming up!

Check out online author events with features bestselling and highly acclaimed authors!

Thanks to a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, UCPL is excited to offer a free, virtual series of author talks two to three times a month. The featured writers and thought leaders will cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres, and all events include the opportunity to ask questions of the author. Check out a complete list of events, both upcoming and archived, at https://libraryc.org/ucitylibrary.

Language learning with your UCPL card

Learn a new language for free with Mango Languages! Choose from more than 70 world languages to learn via computer or on your mobile device, from anywhere, at any time. Enjoy native speaker audio and cultural context that will fully immerse you in the language. 

Get started on your free language lessons at https://connect.mangolanguages.com/ucitylibrary/start or by clicking the Mango Languages link on the Research & Learning page of our website. All you need is a UCPL card to get started.

You can also download the Mango app to learn on the go! Search for “Mango Languages” in your device’s app store. Call 314-727-3150 or email reference@ucitylibrary.org for more information.