Break winter blahs with library events in Madison and Triana

MADISON – During dreary, winter weather, Madison and Triana public libraries can help to shake the blues with sessions that range from campy fun to inspirational learning.

“The MAD Movie-A-Thon-O-Rama” will return on Jan. 11. Straight from the 1980s, “New Year’s Evil” will air at 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Released in 1980, the “New Year’s Evil” slasher-thriller follows a slayer who attacks a new victim for each time zone. The movie stars Roz Kelly, Kip Niven and Grant Kramer, while featuring gratuitous bushy mustaches, Hollywood Boulevard cruising, and an early 1980’s punk-rock soundtrack, according to library promotion.

Parents should know that “New Year’s Evil” has adult language, adult situations and slasher-movie mayhem. The movie’s length is 85 minutes.

The library auditorium will open for the audience at 6 p.m. The movie will start at 6:30 p.m. Audience members can bring food into the auditorium during the film.

In another library session, Madison Public Library will host “Tertulia De Verse: Poetry Discussion Group” on Jan. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Study Room 1.

‘Tertulia,’ a Spanish word, has multiple meanings: (1) a social gathering with literary or artistic overtones, or (2) an informal meeting of people to talk about current affairs, fine arts and other topics.

In Madison’s ‘tertulia,’ participants can connect with an informal circle of like-minded enthusiasts to discuss favorite poems and poets, according to library staff. The session targets anyone at least 19 years old. For more information, email creagle@hmcpl.org.

At Triana Public Library, patrons can enjoy Paint Night on Jan.12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants will have a fun evening while painting a whimsical version of a colorful cow. Registration is required for Paint Night; to register, call 256-772-9943, or email triana@hmcpl.org.

The painting session is recommended for teenagers and adults. The library’s address is 357 Record St. in Triana.

Then, on Jan. 13, the Triana staff will embark on a 10-week program, “Ready, Set, Kindergarten,” that is designed to assist three- to five-year-olds in exploring and practicing the essential skills for a seamless transition into kindergarten. The first session will meet on Jan. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m.; the week’s theme will be “Self Esteem.”

“Ready, Set, Kindergarten” is made possible by a grant provided to the Alabama Public Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, along with donations to the Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation’s “2023 Love Your Library” campaign.

Madison Public Library also will present the “Ready, Set, Kindergarten” program, beginning Jan. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. The children will learn about a different topic each week: Week 1, Self-esteem; Week 2, Emotions (problems, worry, empathy); Week 3, Emotions (moods, anger); Week 4, Perseverance; Week 5, Persistence; Week 6, Measuring; Week 7, Shapes; Week 8, Counting; Week 9, Patterns; and Week 10, Nature.

For more information, call Madison Public Library at 256-461-0046, or call Triana Public Library at 256-772-9943.