Mechanics' Institute

Exciting New Seminar on James Baldwin at Mechanics' Institute Launches on August 27. Dr. Nigel Hatton will facilitate this immersive exploration of James Baldwin's literary legacy. Join in-person or via Zoom.

The first: Exploring Baldwin's Life and Early Essays (3 sessions)
https://ow.ly/eume50SYMy3

Get an Insider's Look at Noel Coward's Private Lives which opens on September 12 at A.C.T.

"Bay Area favorite KJ Sanchez reimagines and directs Noël Coward’s hysterical classic tale of the tempestuous dance that is marriage. Reset to 1930s Argentina and featuring sensual tango dancing, Coward’s iconic, wry comedy sings with spiky repartee."

Join Mechanics' Institute this Thursday with ACT's KJ Sanchez and Pam McKinnon.

Join us on Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 6:30 pm
at Mechanics' Institute

Page to Stage: Private Lives! by Noel Coward

A.C.T. Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon in conversation with KJ Sanchez on this upcoming production along with a preview of the 24-25 season.

To learn more about this event and ticket discounts to Private Lives! go to:
https://ow.ly/1ljf50SV69F

Join us tomorrow, July 27th at Yerba Buena Gardens for our chess activation. Mechanics' Institute coaches will be out playing and teaching from 1-4pm. Stop by for a Saturday afternoon of chess and learning!

In celebration of the 2024 Olympic Games, Mechanics' Institute's latest blog post highlights its collection of books and DVDs

10,500 athletes competing
329 gold medals to be awarded
New sport to debut: breakdancing

Read the blog: https://ow.ly/UuzH50SLf0r
Browse the catalog: https://ow.ly/NVhh50SLf0n

Join bestselling author Annalee Newitz in conversation with journalist and KQED Forum co-host Alexis Madrigal at Mechanics' Institute this Thursday, June 13 at 6 pm!

Newitz's new book, Stories are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind, traces the way disinformation, propaganda, and violent threats—the essential tool kit for psychological warfare—have evolved from military weapons deployed against foreign adversaries into tools in domestic culture wars.

Use promo code "stories" for registration free of charge! https://ow.ly/9QRn50SeFMu

and

Painter Claudia Marseille and poet Zack Rogow before tonight's conversation about their new memoirs: But You Look So Normal and Hugging My Father’s Ghost.

With Andy Talajkowski and Laura Sheppard, Mechanics' Institute Programs Team & Events staff.

AUTHOR TALKS! CINEMA!

CinemaLit Tonight 6:00 PM at Mechanics' Institute

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), 129 minutes, directed by Mike Nichols, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal, and Sandy Dennis (image courtesy of Warner Bros.)

https://ow.ly/4RoP50S4wxV

Book signing with Matthew Kennedy, CinemaLit Curator, will have his latest book, On Elizabeth Taylor: An Opinionated Guide, available.

BUGHOUSE EVENT FOR SCHOLASTIC CHESS
AT MECHANICS' INSTITUTE
June 3, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Open K-12 - Two Players Per Team
Special Trophies Awarded - Pizza Provided
https://ow.ly/cQgY50RZiFq

🌟 The Quarterly Newsletter is here! 🌟

In this Issue: From the Archives, Interview with GM Woojin Yoo and More.

READ MORE 👉 https://ow.ly/iFP450RTesP

Featured Events Next Week at Mechanics' Institute

Monday, May 20 at 6:00 PM:
https://ow.ly/s24l50RLazm

Christopher Marmelejo author of Red Tarot
Dive deep into the mystical world of tarot with Christopher Marmolejo's enthralling Red Tarot, heralding the approach of World Tarot Day.

Using the cards to subvert power dynamics, author Christopher Marmolejo applies an anti-racist, feminist, q***r, and Indigenous lens to the deck. Red Tarot is a profound act of Native reclamation written by a q***r, nonbinary, Mexican-American, Indigenous person. In many ways the publication of this book is historic and will influence the way we approach tarot readings for the better. Bring your favorite tarot deck.

Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30 PM
https://ow.ly/Izmr50RLazp

Page to Stage: Mother Road with Berkeley Repertory Theater
Join acclaimed playwright Octavio Solis in conversation with director David Mendizábal on their upcoming production of Mother Road at Berkeley Repertory Theater.

Berkeley Rep creates ambitious theatre that entertains and challenges its audiences, provokes civic engagement, and inspires people to experience the world in new and surprising ways. Attend this discussion and receive 20% off this season’s tickets for Mechanics’ Institute members and community!

TONIGHT 6:30 PM!
Join us for Spring Catamaran Launch Party, May 16, 2024
Mechanics' Institute 57 Post Street San Francisco
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE
https://ow.ly/ZUZO50RIWmM

Mechanics' Institute inaugural Game Night featuring Scrabble was a S-U-C-C-E-S-S. Joe Edley, 3x National Scrabble Championship winner, was our surprise visitor tonight!

Events this week at Mechanics' Institute. Explore a San Francisco historic building, attend an event, and have fun!

Tonight starting at 6:00 pm: Game Night in the Library featuring Scrabble. Join in the fun. https://ow.ly/iVGm50RG9Y4

Thursday, May 16: Mechanics' Institute collaborates with Catamaran to celebrate the release of the Spring 2024 edition of the Catamaran Literary Reader. Join the Launch Party! https://www.milibrary.org/events/catamaran-spring-launch-party-may-16-2024

Friday, May 17: It's another cinema classic at Mechanics' Institute in this month's tribute to Elizabeth Taylor with National Velvet. https://ow.ly/5yoP50RG9Y0

Saturday, May 18: Register today for Mechanics' Institute's Monthly Scholastic Swiss Tournament. https://ow.ly/3qJf50RG9Y2

Mechanics' Institute is located at 57 Post Street, San Francisco.

Mechanics' Institute hosted the 18th Annual Steve Brandwein / Ray Schutt / Jay Whitehead Memorial Blitz on Saturday, May 11 with 51 players in attendance. Standings are in: https://ow.ly/p95r50RF5vF

Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky and Grandmaster Christopher Woojin Yoo joined with over 50 players for the tournament.

Issue 1049 of the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Room Newsletter is out!

Read about:
-Recent Tournaments at Mechanics’ Institute by FA, SrTD Scott Mason
-Annotated Games from the TNM by IM Elliott Winslow
-Celebrating -Judy Viertel by Alex Robins
-I Play Chess. Chess Doesn’t Play Me. by Zorba Hughes
-The Unknown Fischer by IM John Donaldson

https://ow.ly/57j250RClia

🌟 📚- Ready to dive into the magic of storytelling? Join us for an unforgettable multi-session workshop, Weaving Community Through Storytelling with Kate Farrell

Wednesday, May 08 | 6:00 pm | Onsite

📚 Ready to dive into the magic of storytelling? Join us for an unforgettable multi-session workshop led by the amazing Kate Farrell at Mechanics’ Institute!

🎉 This isn't just any workshop—learn how to unlock the power of your own story! Your ticket not only secures your spot among 25 lucky participants but also includes a copy of "Story Power: Secrets to Creating, Crafting, and Telling Memorable Stories" 📖✨

Please reserve your spot now and let's embark on this exciting adventure together!

Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/HIIC50R7HoQ

Learn more about Kate: https://www.facebook.com/kate.farrell3

🚀✨

✨ Mechanics' Institute New Members' Orientation was a hit! We explored library services, events, CinemaLit, and chess at 57 Post Street. Whether you're a book lover, cinephile, or chess enthusiast, there's something for you!

✨

Thank you to California State Library, State of California and Mario Anthony Gallardo with NEDCC's “Ready—Or Not” Cultural Heritage Disaster Preparedness Project who spent the day assessing the emergency preparedness of our library at Mechanics’ Institute. The State of California has funded an initiative to assess emergency preparedness at California organizations that care for cultural and historic resources.

Join us TONIGHT, 6:15 pm for Storytelling Showcase with Corey Rosen.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/6q9u50R3u7M

For tonight Corey is turning the mic to YOU with a format! Come with a 5 minute story on the subject of "Outta Here!" Put your story in the hat when you arrive and Corey will pick storytellers one by one!

We'll have one featured storyteller: writer, storyteller, and performer Abbey Glover.
https://www.abbeyglover.com

Issue 1048 of the Mechanics’ Institute Chess Room Newsletter is out! Read about:

- FM Paul Whitehead: Farewell!
- IM Elliott Winslow: Annotated Games from the Spring TNM
- Alex Robins: 2024 Scholastic Chess Championship
- Alyssa Stone: Report from San Quentin
- IM John Donaldson: Books, Books, and More Books!
- Zorba Hughes: Grow Up
- Richard Hack: Tales From the Chess Cafe
- Tony's Teasers, plus a whole lot more!

Read it here:https://www.milibrary.org/sites/default/files/1048.pdf

🌟 📚- Ready to dive into the magic of storytelling? Join us for an unforgettable multi-session workshop, Weaving Community Through Storytelling with Kate Farrell

Wednesday, May 08 | 6:00 pm | Onsite

📚 Ready to dive into the magic of storytelling? Join us for an unforgettable multi-session workshop led by the amazing Kate Farrell at Mechanics’ Institute!

🎉 This isn't just any workshop—learn how to unlock the power of your own story! Your ticket not only secures your spot among 25 lucky participants but also includes a copy of "Story Power: Secrets to Creating, Crafting, and Telling Memorable Stories" 📖✨

Please reserve your spot now and let's embark on this exciting adventure together!

Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/HIIC50R7HoQ

Learn more about Kate: https://www.facebook.com/kate.farrell3



🚀✨

In Celebration of Earth Day: April 18, 2924 at 6:00 pm

Sign-up today: https://www.milibrary.org/events/earth-day-panel-innovators-creating-sustainable-communities-apr-18-2024

Join Mechanics' Institute in conversation on the future of sustainable communities with Bay Area environmental activists and innovators:

Quinlin Messenger, Founder and Director, JUST Design
Dylan Mulvaney, Professor, Environmental Studies, San Jose State University
Kirstin Weeks, Principal, Bio Studio
Moderator: Karen Topakian, Founder, Topkian Communicatios
Featured Reading: Aileen Cassinetto, San Mateo Poet Laureate Emeritus

🌍Join our World Literature Book Group as we delve into "Heritage: A Novel" by Miguel Bonnefoy. Whether you're a seasoned literary explorer or just beginning your journey, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and share your insights.

🗓️ Onsite | Date: Wednesday, April 24 | 6:000 pm

Don't miss out on the chance to engage in thoughtful discussions about culture, history, and storytelling. Plus, our knowledgeable staff member will be there to guide us and share exciting announcements.

Register Today: https://ow.ly/Laot50RhwsC

"The most important asset of any library goes home at night - the library staff." ... Timothy Healy

At Mechanics' Institute we recognize and give thanks to our dedicated Library Team during and everyday.

Join us for an unforgettable multi-session workshop, Weaving Community Through Storytelling with Kate Farrell

Starts Wednesday, May 08 | 6:00 pm | Onsite

Unleash the storyteller within! This isn't your ordinary workshop—it's a journey to discover the magic of your own narrative. Your ticket doesn't just grant access; it's a passport to a world of imagination. Join 25 fellow adventurers and receive "Story Power: Secrets to Creating, Crafting, and Telling Memorable Stories" to ignite your creativity. Seize the moment—reserve your spot now and let the storytelling journey commence! 🚀📖🎉

Hear from Kate herself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRiI6QZPlLA.

Reserve now: https://ow.ly/HIIC50R7HoQ 📚🎉✨

It starts with a card, a library card.

Read our latest blog in Celebration of National Library Week.
https://ow.ly/7LXJ50RexKB

Library Week

🌍 Dive into the Future of Sustainable Communities! 🌱

📅 When: Thursday, April 18, 2024 - 6:00 pm

🔬 Join us at the Mechanics' Institute for an engaging conversation with Bay Area environmental champions: Quinlin Messenger, Kirstin Weeks, and Dustin Mulvaney! Moderated by Karen Topakian, this dynamic panel will explore the exciting frontiers of alternative energy, innovative design, and resources for diverse communities. Say goodbye to the "doom and gloom" climate talk – our speakers are here to inspire hope, stewardship, and a deeper connection with our planet.

📚 Plus, don't miss a special reading by San Mateo's Poet Laureate Emeritus, Aileen Cassinetto, from the acclaimed anthology "Dear Human at the Edge of Time." This award-winning collection responds to the Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) with powerful poetry that'll stir your soul.

✍️ Feeling inspired? Contribute your poems to the Dear Human microsite and explore our curated selection of environmental books, handpicked by our esteemed speakers.

See you there! https://ow.ly/JOU450RbGn6

Aileen Cassinetto
https://aileencassinetto.com/

Kirstin Weeks
https://www.bio.studio/leadership

Quinlin Messengeer
linkedin.com/in/quinlin-b-messenger-6856b66b

Dustin Mulvaney
linkedin.com/in/dustin-mulvaney-4772573

Karen Topakian
linkedin.com/in/karentopakian

April Showers Bring Special Spring Concert to Mechanics' Institute: Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 pm.

Internationally acclaimed Rebecca Rust, an American cellist, and Friedrich Edelmann, a German bassoonist, have been performing together for many years in chamber music, as soloists, and as soloists with orchestra.

For more information and tickets: https://ow.ly/EjgV50RbAAM

Beautiful sample:
https://ow.ly/JYPB50RbAAO -rust