By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist 

November is National Family Literacy Month and it’s also the birth month of two classic authors. Nov. 30 is the date when both Lucy Maud Montgomery (Nov. 30, 1874-April 24, 1942) and Mark Twain (Nov. 30, 1835-April 21, 1910) were born. Coincidentally, there are newly published books based on their works.

A previously unfinished Twain children’s story has been created by the Caldecott Medal-winning team of Philip and Erin Stead. In 1879, Twain began telling his daughters the tale of Johnny, a poor boy in possession of magical seeds. Later, Twain jotted down notes about the story, but it was never finished – until now. “The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine” is the account of Johnny, his animal friends, a stolen prince and a tyrant king and the gifts of generosity, empathy and quiet courage.

Also new is “Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel” by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler. Montgomery’s book rewritten in this new format will introduce the story to a new generation. If you come to check out one or both books, we invite you to stay for a program. Details below.

• Youth Programs:

Story Times are Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales; Fridays 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales; Wednesday, Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Break Story Time 10:15 a.m.

Special Programs:

Nov. 7 Lego® League 4-4:45 p.m.

Nov. 13 Homeschool Happening: Fantastic Fun with Cool Colors 10 a.m. Artist Deborah Miller will explore color with students in grades 1-12. Please sign up.

Nov. 14 Pete the Cat Book Club 6 p.m. Thanksgiving with Pete the Cat! Kids age 5 and older can sign up.

Nov. 17 American Girls Club: Holiday Etiquette Lesson 4 p.m. Kathie Martin of the Etiquette School of Birmingham will help girls age 7 and older get ready for the holidays. Girls may come with or without a doll. Please sign up.

Nov. 20 Magic Tree House Passport to Adventure 4 p.m. “Thanksgiving on Thursday” will launch this session for kids in first grade and above. Please sign up.

Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Break Story Time 10:15 a.m. Kids of all ages can join Miss Jennie.

Adult Programs:

Starting Nov. 1 Tai Chi for Health – Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Rachel Hickman teaches this six-week course. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that will not slip during movement. Newcomers will not be allowed after the second class. Participants must complete an enrollment form before the first class. The form is at the library’s circulation desk.

Nov. 6 Dolores Hydock: Southern Comfort in a Cast Iron Skillet 6:30 p.m. As Thanksgiving approaches, food traditions take center stage. Storyteller Dolores Hydock presents stories about the power of traditional foods that have a special place in hearts and memories.

Computer Classes at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 Basic Internet & Email; Nov. 14 Microsoft Excel 2013 Part 1;

Nov. 21 Microsoft Excel 2013 Part 2. – To sign up come by the library or call 664-6822.

Nov. 13 ABC & Ds of Medicare 1pm.

Nov. 16 Library Book Group 7 p.m. “The Marriage of Opposites” by Alice Hoffman.

Children age 6 years old and younger must be with an adult at programs. Sign up for programs at the circulation desk or phone 664-6822. Activities are in the meeting room.