Women's Health by the Numbers
Tuesday, October 6, 6:30 p.m.
Stephanie Piver, RNC, BSHA, CCE Community Perinatal Educator, leads an open discussion on the major health issues that can occur in women as they age. The discussion includes symptoms that should never be ignored, a review of important screening tests and talk about healthy lifestyle tips. An NCH educational program.

Book Discussion: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Thursday, October 15, 2 p.m.
A marvelous debut novel, this is a warm, funny, and thoroughly entertaining celebration of the written word. Single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton is tired of covering the sunny side of war and its aftermath. When a farmer finds Juliet's name in a used book and invites his neighbors on the Isle of Guernsey to tell Juliet their stories, her life changes.

Credit Reports and Credit Laws: Myths, Facts and Making Them Work for You
Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m.
Sam Sky, CEO of Credit Restoration Brokers, explains the ins and outs of credit reports, what affects your credit, how to increase your credit score, and how to utilize credit laws to benefit you, as the consumer.

Ghosts of the Desert: the Story of Gertrude Bell - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Tuesday, October 27, 2 p.m.
In this dramatic portrayal Janina Birtolo brings alive Gertrude Bell, known as the female "Lawrence of Arabia,” who served as a British spy during World War I and became the most respected foreign woman in that region. After the War, she was instrumental in the formation of the modern Middle East.

NOVEMBER

Delta Blues: In the Beginning - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.
Delta Blues is a musical form unique to America. It evolved in the Delta region of Mississippi during a dark social period and spawned most musical genres of the 20th century. Danny Jo demonstrates, through songs and anecdotal history, what started as an acoustic art form ended up electrifying the world.

Fascinating Women
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.
In the fall of 2008, Janina Birtolo taught a course on Developing the Historical Monologue. The monologues created by women in the class are insightful and entertaining. This resulting presentation introduces five historical characters ranging from St. Teresa of Avila to Lucille Ball.

Book Discussion: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Thursday, November 19, 2 p.m.
Thirteen linked tales present a heart-wrenching, penetrating portrait of ordinary coastal Mainers living lives of quiet grief intermingled with flashes of human connection. Most of the stories feature Olive as their focus, but in some she is a bit player or even a footnote while other characters take center stage to sort through their own fears and insecurities. The collection is easy to read and impossible to forget. Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction in 2009.

DECEMBER

Holiday Musical Performance by Take Four - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Tuesday, December 8, 6:30 p.m.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" Holiday music from around the world presented by Take Four musicians: Jane Galler, lead guitarist and vocalist, Joy Spivak vocalist, Art Isenberg on piano and Arnold Saslavsky on drums.

Book Discussion: The Reader by Bernard Schlink
Thursday, December 10, 2 p.m.
The Reader is an austerely beautiful narrative of the attempt to breach the gap between Germany's pre- and postwar generations, between the guilty and the innocent, and between words and silence. The theme of good versus evil and the question of moral responsibility are eloquently presented in this spare coming-of-age story sure to inspire questions and passionate discussion. The award-winning 2008 film was based on this book. 

NAPLES REGIONAL - 650 Central Ave. - 263-7768 or 262-4130

SEPTEMBER

Brazilian Romance: The Bossa Nova Phenomenon - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Wednesday, September 23, 6 p.m.
The world discovered Bossa Nova in 1963 with the huge success of the master composer Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Girl from Ipanema," simultaneously inspiring American jazz and popular music with this "new wave." Musicians Sonny & Perley capture the essence of the sultry romance and mesmerizing rhythm of Bossa Nova.

Book Discussion: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Thursday, September 24, 2 p.m.
Nearing the end of his life, Enzo, a dog with a philosopher's soul, tries to reconnect his family torn apart during a three year custody battle. This story has everything: love, tragedy, redemption, danger and a special canine narrator, Enzo, who tells the story from a unique perspective.

OCTOBER

The Upside of Forgiveness
Wednesday, October 7, 2 p.m.
Susan Kimper, MSN, RN-BC, Director of Psychiatric Medicine, discusses some of the common obstacles to forgiving and why it is important for overall health and well-being. Find out how to let go, move on, or drop your anger against another, or yourself, for peace, resolution and sense of completion. An NCH educational program.

Delta Blues: In the Beginning - sposnored by the Friends of the Library
Wednesday, October 14, 6 p.m.
Delta Blues is a musical form unique to America. It evolved in the Delta region of Mississippi during a dark social period and spawned most musical genres of the 20th century. Danny Jo demonstrates, through songs and anecdotal history, what started as an acoustic art form ended up electrifying the world.

Online Investment Information
Tuesday, October 20, 2 p.m.
Learn how to find free and simple online information about the stock market and how to create a free portfolio using finance.yahoo.com.

Book Discussion: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Thursday, October 22, 10 a.m.
A classic novel of romantic suspense finds the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter entering the home of her mysterious and enigmatic new husband and slowly learning the story of the house's first mistress – to whom the sinister housekeeper was unnaturally devoted.

NOVEMBER

Good News for Bad Joints
Wednesday, November 4, 2 p.m.
Significant technological advances including the evolution of refined equipment and techniques are discussed by Leon Mead, MD, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. He discusses the aspects of knee and hip replacement surgery including information about the latest surgical techniques, gender specific branding, implant design and minimally invasive approaches. An NCH educational program.

Genealogy for Beginners
Monday, November 9, 16 & 23, 9:30 a.m. 
Curious about your family tree? This three-part class (2 hours each) covers basic to intermediate research methods to research your family tree. The Genealogical Society of Collier County leads this program.

The Black Queen - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Wednesday, November 18, 2 p.m.
Janina Birtolo's original play is a portrayal of Catherine de Medici, the Italian commoner who became one of the strongest queens of France. The Black Queen is a lesson in history, politics and religious conflict, wrapped in an entertaining package of wit, strategy and personal determination.

DECEMBER

Advanced Google
Tuesdays, December 1 & 8, 10 a.m.
This two-part lecture class offers strategies for optimal searching, tips and tricks and basic information about the wide array of applications available from free email to word processing.

Introduction to Astronomy
Tuesday, December 1, 2 p.m.
This program is nature-watching on a grand scale. Join David Southall, Curator of Education, Collier County Museum, for a look at the objects that amateur sky watchers find so fascinating. Learn about the make-up of our solar system and how astronomers use the constellations.

Book Discussion: Tea Time for the Traditionally Built: The New No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Tuesday, December 8, 2 p.m.
There are few mysteries that can't be solved when the irrepressible Precious Ramotswe puts her mind to them. A good cup of red bush tea might be the best solution of all. This tenth installment of the Precious Ramotswe of Botswana series is another hit for Alexander McCall Smith fans.

Holiday Musical Performance by Take Four - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Wednesday, December 9, 6 p.m.
"It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" Holiday music from around the world presented by Take Four musicians: Jane Galler, lead guitarist and vocalist, Joy Spivak vocalist, Art Isenberg on piano and Arnold Saslavsky on drums.

SOUTH REGIONAL - 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway - 252-7542

English Conversation Class
Tuesdays through December 15, 10 a.m.
Join Roberta Reiss, Literacy Program Coordinator, to practice English conversation skills. For intermediate to advanced English learners.

SEPTEMBER

Caregiver Assistance and Regional Education Program (CARE)
Tuesdays, September 15 & 22, 1 p.m. and Thursdays, September 17 & 24, 1 p.m.
This four session series enables caregivers to provide enhanced care for their loved ones while better maintaining their own emotional and physical health. This program is funded by a grant from the Department of Elder Affairs, State of Florida. Call 866-231-0921 for more information. Each session lasts 3.5 hours.

Great American Songbook: The Golden Age of Popular Song - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Thursday, September 17, 6 p.m.
This timeless music transcends generations and defines our musical heritage. Featuring vocalist Perley Rousseau, accompanied by pianist Sonny Daye, this concert highlights the music of great American composers such as Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, Ellington, Rodgers and others. The program also includes entertaining stories about the music and composers.

The Seminole People and the Seminole Wars
Thursday, September 24, 10 a.m.
During the War of 1812 Native American war parties armed by the British raided north then escaped into Florida. This conflict altered the course of our history and resulted in numerous consequences for the country and its Native peoples. Presented by David Southall, Collier County Museum Curator of Education. This is a wonderful, educational program.

OCTOBER

Book Discussion: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Thursday, October 8, 2 p.m.
"Why St. Teresa, mother?" the narrator of Abraham Verghese's masterful first novel asks longingly. Marion Praise Stone wants to understand his long-dead mother and her devotion to the 16th-century mystic. But the circumstances surrounding his birth complicate that quest: Marion and his identical twin brother, Shiva, were born from a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun and a British surgeon, Thomas Stone.

Update in Medicine
Thursday October 15, 2 p.m.
This lecture, presented by Kathleen Wilson, MD, Mayo Trained Internist focuses on how to avoid overmedication, the best way to organize your medical records and how best to prevent heart attack, stroke and hip fracture. An NCH educational program.

Telescopes and Optics
Thursday, October 22, 2 p.m.
Join David Southall, Collier County Museum Curator of Education, to learn how telescopes work and the properties of light that determine what type works best for various applications. Unravel the mystery of light gathering power and why an astronomical telescope makes things look upside down.

Delta Blues: In the Beginning
Thursday, October 29, 2 p.m.
Delta Blues is a musical form unique to America. It evolved in the Delta region of Mississippi during a dark social period and spawned most musical genres of the 20th century. Danny Jo demonstrates, through songs and anecdotal history, what started as an acoustic art form ended up electrifying the world.

NOVEMBER

News From "Over There"
Thursdays, November 5, 19 & December 3, 10 a.m.
This three-session workshop discusses world events as reported by various English language newspapers around the globe. Lead by Thomas Tyrell, retired international lawyer, Cambridge graduate, resident of Isle of Man and Naples. Information packet provided prior to each session.

Book Discussion: The Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Thursday, November 5, 2 p.m.
Set in 1907 Wisconsin, Goolrick's fiction debut gets off to a slow, stylized start, but eventually generates some real suspense. When Catherine Land opens a newspaper ad from a well-to-do businessman in need of a "reliable wife," she invents a plan to benefit from his riches and his need. After the wedding, Catherine helps her husband search for his estranged son and, despite growing misgivings, begins to poison him with small doses of arsenic. This darkly nuanced psychological tale builds to a strong and satisfying close.

Daring to Dream - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Thursday, November 12, 2 p.m.
In this dramatic portrayal, Janina Birtolo tells the story of Amelia Earhart, a noted American aviator and pioneer. Although many people thought Amelia was crazy and/or reckless she knew what she wanted to do, and she didn’t let anyone stand in her way.

Jacques Lemoyne: First European Artist in the New World
Thursday, November 19, 2 p.m.
In 1562 some French Huguenots traveled to the coast of North America. Among them was Jacques LeMoyne, a professional illustrator. LeMoyne documented the travails of the colonists and their Native American neighbors with drawings that were later copied by Danish engraver Theodorus deBry. Presented by David Southall, Collier County Museum Curator of Education.

DECEMBER

Incontinence in Men and Women
Thursday, December 3, 2 p.m.
Incontinence affects over 40 million Americans, and it often goes untreated or unrecognized. Dr. Jonathan K. Jay, MD, Board Certified, American Board of Urology, Fellow American College of Surgeons, discusses symptoms and the latest technology in both invasive and non-invasive treatment. An NCH educational program.

Fascinating Women
Thursday, December 10, 2 p.m.
In the fall of 2008, Janina Birtolo taught a course on "Developing the Historical Monologue." The monologues created by women in the class are insightful and entertaining. This resulting presentation introduces five historical characters ranging from St. Teresa of Avila to Lucille Ball.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Thursday, December 10, 6 p.m.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales is an anecdotal sketch of the festive season which emerged from a piece originally written for radio. It is an exercise in storytelling reminding us that Christmas doesn’t change with time. It is a universal experience. Presented by Limelight Productions.

Holiday Musical Performance by Take Four - sponsored by the Friends of the Library
Thursday, December 17, 6 p.m.
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!" Holiday music from around the world presented by Take Four musicians: Jane Galler, lead guitarist and vocalist, Joy Spivak vocalist, Art Isenberg on piano and Arnold Saslavsky on drums.