Here are the upcoming fall events at the Chattanooga Public Library.
Silk & Shade Opening Reception
Friday, Oct. 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join us at our Downtown Branch to celebrate the completion of the Silk & Shades Project, led by silk artist Claire Vassort.
At the opening reception on the Downtown Branch’s 1st Floor, we’ll be debuting a new public installation of the colorful banners created during the Summer 2019 silk painting workshops. Featuring a theme of flying birds and leaves, this community project displays everyone’s accomplishment. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be available during the event.
Program and event made possible by the Lyndhurst Foundation and the Chattanooga Friends of the Library.
Sew What Saturdays: Fiber Arts Bash
Saturday, Oct. 5, 12-4 p.m.
Join us for our annual Fiber Arts Bash on the 4th Floor of the Downtown Branch
This year we will be exploring multiple styles of fiber arts including hammered leaf and flower prints on silk, crocheted Granny squares, sewing Eco-friendly reusable “paper” towels, DIY looms, and string art with the Riverbend Fiber Arts Guild. We will also be doing two workshops at 1 and 3 p.m. in which you can create your very own macrame wall-hanging.
Spooktacular Mini Film Festival
Oct. 7-11
Ready or not here we come with the first ever Spooktacular Mini Film Festival at the Downtown Branch! Prepare to be scared as we spend the week of Fall Break with five frightful films on the 2nd Floor. Popcorn provided. All films are rated PG-13, and this event is for teenagers ages 13-18.
Monday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m.: The Others (2001)
Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 5 p.m.: The Skeleton Key (2005)
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.: Insidious (2010)
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m.: Devil (2010)
Friday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m.: The Ring (2002)
Macro Art Day
Saturday, Oct. 12,2-4 p.m.
Join us at the South Chattanooga Branch as we kick off our new weekly art program in a big way. At this outdoor program you will get to explore one of the most radical contemporary art movements by using spray paint to add on to a graffiti wall art installation, as well as experiment with the painting techniques of the abstract expressionists.
We will be collaborating on large scale art pieces and temporary murals inspired by artists like Basquiat and Jackson Pollock. Make sure to wear clothes that can get (permanent) paint on them.
Maker Day
Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
CO.LAB and the Chattanooga Public Library are excited to bring you Maker Day (formerly known as Chattanooga Mini Maker Faire) at the Downtown Branch. This event will kick off the sixth annual Startup Week Chattanooga with an action-packed day of exhibitions and making.
Chattanooga Maker Day is a public showcase of artists, builders, scientists, hobbyists, and everyone in between. There is something for all ages to enjoy, including performances, displays, and activities where you too can become a maker. Some of our makers this year include:
Chattlab Makerspace
Chattanooga Game Developers
Foundry in a Box
Chattcycle
Chattanooga Girls Rock
GottLabs
Tennessee Tech University
Crafting with Craft Beers
Every 3rd Sunday @ Barley Chattanooga, 5-7 p.m.
The Chattanooga Public Library, in partnership with Barley Chattanooga (235 E Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402), invites you to our new monthly program for adults: Crafting with Craft Beers. During this program, you are encouraged to enjoy Barley’s wide selection of craft beers while also partaking in a seasonal “make and take” craft. All crafting materials and instructions will be supplied by the Chattanooga Public Library at no-cost. Please craft responsibly.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Celebration
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 3-6 p.m.
Please join us at the South Chattanooga Library as we host a National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week celebration. This family-oriented event will include informational booths on lead poisoning and lead abatement, children’s activities (including a visit from Captain America), give-aways, and healthy snacks. A highlight of the event will be the ribbon-cutting for the newly installed Lead Education Station at the library. The station is sponsored by the Tennessee Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the Hamilton County Health Department, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control.
Symphonic Tales
Back by popular demand: Symphonic Tales. In partnership with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Department of Performing Arts, the Chattanooga Public Library presents our sixth season of music and literacy for young children.
The Symphonic Tales program is a monthly event presented throughout the school year (September through May). Each event includes literary, musical, play, and art activities, all of which center on a children’s book. The 2019-2020 series includes the following programs:
Oct. 26: THE LAND DOWN UNDER!
Nov. 23: WHO’S IN RABBIT’S HOUSE?
Jan. 25, 2020: PETE THE CAT
Feb. 29, 2020: IT’S RAG TIME!
March 28, 2020: LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET!
April 18, 2020: THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF
May 9, 2020: PETER AND THE WOLF
Events take place on the dates above at the following locations and times:
1 p.m. at the South Branch (925 West 39th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37410)
3 p.m. at the Downtown Branch (1001 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402).
Halloween Day Feature Film
Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-7 p.m.
Join us for some last-minute spooky fun on Halloween night on the 2nd Floor for some popcorn and a special Halloween screening of Hocus Pocus. This movie is rated PG, and anyone ages 10-18 is welcome to join.
New Programs and Events for Teens & Tweens
Gettin’ Lit(erary) at the Downtown Branch
Young writers, unite! Every 3rd Tuesday at 5 p.m., teens and tweens will learn to craft original pieces to add to their creative portfolios. This month, we will recycle words found in the wild–magazines, newspapers, books–into brand new poems and stories. No previous writing experience necessary; all materials provided.
Teen Book Club at the Downtown Branch
Every 1st Tuesday at 5 p.m., October through December, we’ll be discussing Tomi Adeyemi’s Young Adult novel, Children of Blood and Bone. Fans of world-building series like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings—or any readers who like novels that explore the tough transitions teen characters experience as they become adults in a world that doesn’t always make sense—will love this book.
Uniquely United Us at the Downtown Branch
Join us as we explore different cultures within the U.S. that make us a uniquely united U.S. Every Wednesday at 5 p.m., we will play a game, learn a skill or craft, try a new food while language training, and hold discussions over dessert about issues experienced within the culture.
The Studio @ the Downtown Branch
Did you know The Studio features a main control room and three live rooms; vocal booth, drum room and live room? Library card holders have access to the Downtown Branch’s professional featuring industry standard equipment, professionally led workshops and learning opportunities.
Fall workshop programs include:
Teen Podcasting Squad every 3rd Tuesday from 5-6 p.m.
WUTC’s Live in the Library sessions each week
For interquires about partnership with The Studio or open studio times, contact our new Studio Engineer Sam Mentzer, spemntzer@chattanooga.gov or 643-7720. You can also learn more at chattlibrary.org/thestudio.