Jefferson-Madison Regional Library hosts The Big Read. During the months of February and March, the Library’s goal is to encourage all residents of Central Virginia to read and discuss A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. Throughout the month, all library branches will host programs discussing the book and the time period. It’s easy to join: just pick up the book, and read. 979-7151.

Creative teens ages 12-16 can come to Scottsville Library to get their groove on making funky buttons for your bag or hat, or a magnet for your locker or fridge. Show off your favorite band, celeb or even a favorite saying. Registration is required. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.

Catch the wind.
PHOTO BY penwren - Flickr

March is known for its wind. Kids ages 4 and up can come catch it with us at Scottsville Library. We’ll be making a windsock to catch the spring breezes. Registration is required. 330 Bird St. 286-3541.

Kids ages 8-11 can craft a fun fleece pillow without sewing a single stitch at Northside Library. Materials will be provided. Registration is required. Albemarle Square. 973-7893.

Van Gogh self-portrait, 1887.
PHOTO from Wikipedia

Local artist Susan Northington returns to Gordon Avenue Library to help us celebrate the March birthday of artistic genius Vincent van Gogh. You’ll learn a little about his life and then create your own masterpiece in his distinctive style in this hands-on program for kids ages 6 and up. Registration is required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Knight in shining armor.
PHOTO BY  Wolfrage - Flickr

Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an organization dedicated to the study and re-enactment of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, possess an incredible knowledge of and passion for the rich history of the Middle Ages. Appearing in full costume, they offer hands-on lessons about medieval music, dancing, games, and archery at Gordon Avenue Library. We’ll even be treated to a live demonstration of historical combat. For ages 5 and up. No registration required. 1500 Gordon Ave. 296-5544.

Opossum.
PHOTO BY Jesse Yardley - Flickr

Wildlife rehabilitator Nathou Attinger, whose lifelong dedication to animals led to the creation of Rockfish Sanctuary, shares her love and concern for wildlife at Gordon Avenue Library. Accompanied by her friends Maggie the opossum and Neimy the kestrel, Ms. Attinger will point out the similarities and differences between mammals and birds. For ages 6 and up. No registration required.

Does putting on a crown make you feel like a real princess? When you put on that pirate hat, can you taste the salt spray of the ocean? Is dressing up your thing? If so, come to Crozet Library for an afternoon of dress up and make-believe fun, as they kick off the first of a new program series, “I Just Love That Book!” this time, celebrating Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor. Recommended for ages 4-6. Registration is required. In the Old Train Station on Three Notch’d Rd. 823-4050.

Blue Ridge Irish Music School.
PHOTO courtesy of BRIMS

The Blue Ridge Irish Music School (BRIMS) celebrates St. Patrick’s Day at Gordon Avenue Library. BRIMS Scoil (Irish for school) and the BRIMS Traditional Performance Ensemble perform Irish music, song, and dance and teach a jig step or two. They’ll even talk a wee bit about the musical instruments being played. For ages 5 and up. No registration required. 296-5544.

Virginia TimeTravelers is back for 2010 with a new twist. The theme for this Virginia educational tourism program for 2010 is “Minds Wide Open!” and focuses on creativity and diversity in Virginia’s museums. Kids can explore Virginia’s museums and historic sites, attend special events, and earn a colorful TimeTravelers t-shirt, a certificate of completion signed by the Governor, and more. See the website for the vast variety of venues all across the state of Virginia, including the Arts Depot in Abingdon, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, and the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach. For more info, call 804-788-5824.

Reeling.
PHOTO BY Roland Tanglao- Flickr

Tandem Friends School hosts a night at the movies featuring films created by the school’s award winning digital arts students at Random Row Books. While you’re there, browse for books and feast on free refreshments. Main Street across from the Greyhound Bus Station. 296-1303.

The 16^th annual Virginia Festival of the Book is back offering a stack of bookish programs featuring prominent figures in the literary world. Kids of all ages can indulge their inner bookwork with a great variety of special events for youth and families include school-based programs, a high school poetry evening, and the Annual StoryFest on Saturday, March 20. Various venues. 924-6890.

I Used to Know the Names of All the Stars
Artwork by Grace Trapnell, 11th grade, Charlottesville High School

Pan Alley lights a musical fire in local children getting them to make music–and change the world–through songwriting residencies in local schools. Today, kids from eight area schools perform songs they’ve written in a concert for the whole community. They are accompanied by the Kid Pan Alley Band, including musicians Paul Reisler, Terri Allard, John D’earth, Andy Waldeck, Nate Brown, Steve Van Dam, Mark Maynard. Special guests include Trees on Fire, Jamal Millner, Charlie Pastorfield, Bob Girard, Ian Gilliam, Carleigh Nesbit, and Carl Anderson. Proceeds from the concert benefit Kid Pan Alley’s songwriting program in area schools. Martin Luther King Performing Arts Center, 1400 Melbourne Rd. 540-322-3615.