Silicon Valley Reads: Monday Movies in March - Poster Girl & Iraq Paper Scissors

Silicon Valley Reads 2013 focuses on the “invisible wounds of war.” The Monday Movies in March series has been featuring short documentary films about veterans. On Monday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cedar Room, the final two films will be shown. Light refreshments will be served.

Poster Girl is a documentary (38 minutes) about Robynn Murray, an all-American high school cheerleader who became the poster girl for women in combat. Since returning from Iraq, however, she has fought an insidious foe: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This Academy Award-nominated film follows Robynn over the course of two years as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption through art and poetry. The film also received two Emmy nominations.

Iraq Paper Scissors is a film (46 minutes) in which director Sara Nesson takes us into the lives of five Iraq War veterans who struggle with PTSD as they discover they have dreams and talents beyond machine guns and combat. This documentary intimately captures the young men and women deconstructing their uniforms, while sharing memories as soldiers and uncertain futures as civilians. Through following their creative and emotionally difficult—yet healing—journey, the dark space war that occupies their minds gives way to light, allowing us to see more clearly that those who have served refuse to be forgotten, and more importantly, ask to be understood.

For more information about these free Silicon Valley Reads film screenings, stop by the Reference Desk or call 1-408-615-2900.

posted by jb

Meet Mark Twain!

Mark Twain will be at the library on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 PM! "What?" you say, "Isn't he dead?"  Well, yes, he is dead, but his spirit lives on in storyteller Charles Kiernan. The program is called
Mark Twain Reflects, and will include a little bit about Twain's life- his childhood, life on the Mississippi, the Civil War, and his adventures in California. Join us for an hour of humorous reflection by one of America's most beloved literary icons.

Central Park Library Redwood Room. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive early. Recommended for 5th Grade to Adults.

For information, call Reference at 1-408-615-2900 or Youth Services at 1-408-615-2916.

Silicon Valley Reads: Supporting Women Warriors, Health Care

Come and hear how the Veterans Affairs Dept. has responded to the needs of women veterans, how the Veterans Affairs - Palo Alto women's program was developed, and what is planned to meet the needs in the future.  Linda Kleinsasser, Women Veterans Program Manager, VA Palo Alto Health Care System will present from 6:30 - 7:30 on Monday, March 25, 2013 in the Cedar Room at Santa Clara City Library.  All are welcome and this program is free.  Learn more about Silicon Valley Reads 2013 "Invisible Wounds of War," by following this link.
posted by mb

Silicon Valley Reads: Supporting Women Warriors, Then and Now

Learn about opportunities and challenges during active military service and the legacy created by women warriors.  Charlotte Bear, who served as a U.S. Army broadcast journalist and TV Director for the U.S. Army & Air Force Secretaries of Public Affairs during the Panama-Grenada-Lebanon era conflicts, will present an authentic account.  She will also tell us about veteran-centered care and military family support long after military service is complete.


6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2013, Redwood Room
Santa Clara City Library, 2635 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051
1 (408) 615-2900, for more information

Learn about other free Silicon Valley Reads programs focusing on the "Invisible Wounds of War" by following this link.

posted by mb