Becky Aikman [Photo credit Nina Subin]

Thursday, January 31 at 7 p.m.

Becky Aikman, author of Saturday Night Widows, will be our featured speaker.

One night in 2010, Becky Aikman convened the first meeting of what she called the “Saturday Night Widows”—a group of six women (she among them) shocked to find themselves widowed in the middle of their lives. Becky’s idea was to create an amateur support group to help one another not only past the toughest transition they’d ever made, but to reinvent themselves in the face of grief and build their lives anew.

When they first made a pact to spend their Saturday nights together, the women didn’t know what to expect. They did, however, know that even in their sadness, they shared a desire to find happiness again; to reengage with work, friends, children, and pleasure; and perhaps to find new love. The friendships and adventures that evolved among these women with little in common other than young widowhood are at the heart of Saturday Night Widows.

About the Author

A graduate of the School of Journalism at Columbia University, Becky Aikman was a writer and editor for Businessweek and a reporter for Newsday. She lives in New York City.

Books will be available for purchase at this event. Refreshments will be served.

Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs available on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen's).

Showing Wednesday, January 16 at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, January 16 at 1:30 p.m. - Liberal Arts (2012); Starring Josh Radnor, Elizabeth Olson, and Zac Efron; Rated PG-13; 97 minutes. Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

When 30-something Jesse returns to his alma mater for a professor's retirement party, he falls for Zibby, a college student, and is faced with a powerful attraction that springs up between them.

"An artful blend of tenderness and sharp, clear-eyed observations. Its characters talk like real people -- who also happen to be smart, appealing and thoughtful." -- Claudia Puig, USA Today

For more information, please view the film's trailer.

We will screen ROBOT AND FRANK March 15.

Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Robot and Frank (2012) Starring Frank Langella, James Marsden, and Susan Sarandon; Rated PG-13; 89 minutes; Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Set in the near future, Frank, a retired cat burglar, has two grown kids who are concerned he can no longer live alone. They are tempted to place him in a nursing home until Frank’s son chooses a different option: against the old man’s wishes, he buys Frank a walking, talking humanoid robot programmed to improve his physical and mental health. What follows is an often hilarious and heartwarming story about finding friends and family in the most unexpected places.

"'Robot & Frank' hits all the right notes - romantic, fantastic, tragic and sweet." -- Tom Long Detroit News

For more information, please watch the film's trailer. Check out the rest of our Friday Night Features in March.

Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs available on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen's).

We will screen DECLARATION OF WAR February 1

Friday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – Declaration of War (2011) Starring Valérie Donzelli, Jérémie Elkaïm and César Desseix; Not Rated; 100 minutes; In French with English subtitles.

This exuberant and deeply moving film follows a new couple, Romeo and Juliette, who must face the ultimate test when they discover their newborn child is very ill. Gathering their friends and family together, they confront this ordeal together as a form of warfare. Donzelli infuses the story with unexpected verve using a host of cinematic techniques, music and heartbreaking performances that results in a film about a contemporary couple who surprises even themselves with their ability to fight not only for the life of their child but for each other.

"The subject matter is as serious as can be, yet the style is vibrant, energetic and engaging -- often tense, but without a trace of woe-is-me." -- Colin Covert, Minneapolis Star Tribune

For more information, please watch the film's trailer. Check out the rest of our Friday Night Features in February.

Additional parking for evening and weekend Library programs available on Thorndal Circle (behind Nielsen's).