Events: anytime, all locations, all ages

Award-winning author and storyteller Dianne de Las Casas presents an evening of singing, clapping, laughing, and of course, storytelling.

Inspired by her seventh grade English teacher, who would read aloud to the class every day, de Las Casas “fell in love with words both on paper and in the air.” De Las Casas adapts traditional folklore, adding fun audience participation, song, and of course, humor. Through the use of character voices, creative movement, animated facial expressions, and gestures, she creates a world of fantasy and enchantment.

One half of the husband and wife team that makes up the national performance group Eth-Noh-Tec, Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, presents Asia Fantasia.

Growing up in the late ‘60s with a Japanese and Filipino American heritage, Kikuchi-Yngojo was provided with a rich cultural environment from which to explore the creation of an Asian American identity. His talent for Asian music, dance, and theater, along with his innate comedic ability merged with his social and political philosophy place him in the exciting art form of storytelling.

Come take a tour of old Westport as seen through the photographs and other images in the Library’s local history department. This informal tour does not require walking shoes and interaction and sharing of information is encouraged.

Presented by Mary Beveridge, manager of Missouri Valley Special Collections since 2001.

Artists Garry Noland and Cory Imig discuss the inspirations and ideas that informed the exhibit Pitty Patt(rn), curated by Sean Kelley, and on display at the Central Library until March 28.

Using a variety of media from acrylic paint to duct tape to National Geographic magazines, the artists challenge expectations of language, space, and everyday things.

Garry Noland has a BA in the History of Art. Cory Imig received her BFA in Fibers.

Libertarian economist Jeff Miron discusses the economic impact of the federal government’s 2009 stimulus package on Tuesday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

Miron says because tax liabilities accompany any government spending program, last year’s stimulus package may not have expanded the output of the American economy, but instead simply redistributed the economy’s output.

Tasha Alexander is the author of four Victorian-era historical mysteries following the career of Lady Emily Ashton, whose exploits include tracking down art stolen from the British Museum, unmasking a jewel thief targeting royal treasures, and investigating murders as an agent for the British Empire. In the latest installment, Tears of Pearl, Alexander explores a vividly depicted Constantinople in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire with particular attention given to its treatment of women.

She also wrote the novelization of the Oscar-winning film Elizabeth: The Golden Age.

Adam Miller performs Singing Through History, a collection of folk music classics.

Miller is renowned for his extensive repertoire of more than 5,000 traditional and contemporary folk songs. His highly entertaining performances at festivals and concert halls across the United States have won him fans of all ages.

A masterful entertainer who never fails to get his audience singing along, he has distinguished himself as one of the great interpreters of American folktales and folk songs.

HEY KIDS!! MAKE TRACKS to the Library
For your chance to read aloud to HERO, the Rescue Dog!!
School-Age Children looking for another way to improve their reading skills are invited to register for a 20 minute session reading one-on-one with Hero and his trainer, Heddie Leger.

Every third Saturday throughout the school year, children who already know how to read will have the opportunity to practice and improve their reading skills in this unique and non-threatening learning environment.

Bring your favorite book to share with Hero, the dog who loves to listen.

In 1891, Siegmund Harzfeld and the Parisian Cloak Company introduced a new era of commerce and fashion to the residents of Kansas City. The ready-to-wear movement arrived at his flagship Harzfeld’s location along Petticoat Lane, which later expanded its reach through a regional network of satellite stores.

Joe and Michele Boeckholt trace Harzfeld’s fashions with archival photographs and memorabilia. They are authors of Harzfeld’s: A Brief History. They are both graphic designers living in the Kansas City area.

 Author Roy Morris explains how Samuel Clemens’ six-year journey from Missouri to Hawaii – with lengthy stopovers in Virginia City, Nevada, and San Francisco – resulted in his literary emergence as Mark Twain on Tuesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.