What's up in Lansing: Family Movie Afternoon

Spice up your Tuesday night with some family movie time! This weekly event by the East Lansing Public Library can help bring families closer at no cost. This week, the library will show the “LEGO Batman Movie.”

In this 2017 flick, a star-studded cast provides humor for the adults and effective comedic timing for the kids.

Will Arnett plays Batman who must work hard to stop the Joker and other villains from taking over Gotham. The twist is that he accidentally adopts a teenage orphan who seeks to become his sidekick. With more than seven stars on the International Movie Database rating, the film is sure to charm.

Reviewer David Sims of the Atlantic summed up his thoughts this way:

“The Lego Batman Movie works precisely because it knows audiences are sick of its hero,” Sims said. “It's a reassessment, an intervention, an effort to try and remember what's fun about him.”

Family Movie Afternoon. Every Tuesday family-friendly movies. August 8: The Lego Batman Movie. 1 - 3 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. elpl.org.

HIGHLIGHT

AUGUST 3-13 >> ‘THE TROPICAL PICKLE’ AT OVER THE LEDGE THEATRE CO

Over the Ledge Theatre Co. presents the zany and ever-hilarious play “The Tropical Pickle” this month at the Ledges Playhouse. Written by Michigan native Jeff Daniels, the play follows Bob Lee, plant manager of Shankleferd Pickle Co., when he promises his wife a free trip to Miami to represent his business at the National Condiment Convention. To secure his perfect vacation, Lee hatches a plan to impress the company’s new president with an elaborate dinner party. But of course, Lee’s plan goes awry when his dinner party hosts a slew of uninvited guests. Bob Robinson directs Bob Lee’s sidesplitting pickle-pipedream. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $10/$8 seniors/$6 students. The Ledges Playhouse, 137 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge. (517) 318-0579, overtheledge.org.

CLASSES AND SEMINARS

Finding Nonprofit Funding Online, Focusing on Private Foundations. Foundation Directory Database and more. 1 - 3 p.m. FREE. MSU Library, 366 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing.

Capital City Toastmasters Meeting. Learn speaking and leadership skills. 7 p.m. FREE for visitors. CADL Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave. Lansing. (517) 367-6300.

Caligraphy with Ann. 4 week series to learn basic Calligraphy. Call ahead. 6:30 - 8 p.m., FREE/ Donations accepted. (517) 371-3010. unitylansing.org.

Deconstruction Studio. Bring items to take apart in the Studio! Donations welcome. Register online. 3 - 5 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. elpl.org.

Take off Pounds Sensibly. At 6 p.m. FREE first visit. St. Therese Parish, 102 West Randolph Street Lansing. (517) 487-3749.

Yawn Patrol Toastmasters. From 7 to 8:30 a.m. FREE for visitors.. MICA Gallery, 1210 N. Turner St. Lansing.

LITERATURE AND POETRY

Books on Tap Book Club. A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley. One Book, One Community title. 6:30 p.m. FREE. Jimmy's Pub, 16804 Chandler Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. elpl.org.

MUSIC

Jazz Tuesdays at Moriarty's. From 7 to 10 p.m. FREE. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. (517) 485-5287.

EVENTS

Animal Adventure Show (All ages). Folktales combine with animals. 2 - 3 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Downtown Lansing Branch, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing.

Bingo, Bridge, and Euchre. Weekly events at the senior center. 1 - 4:30 p.m. Cost Varies. Meridian Senior Center, 4406 Okemos Road, Okemos.

Family Storytime (Ages up to 6). Stories , songs and activities. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Williamston Branch, 201 School St., Williamston.

Game Night at UrbanBeat. Bring your own or play provided games. 5 - 8 p.m. FREE. UrbanBeat Event Center, 1213 Turner St. Lansing.

LCC West Toastmasters. Leadership and speaking skills. 5 - 6:30 p.m. LCC West Campus, 5708 Cornerstone Drive Lansing. (517) 483-1314.

Music with The Storytellers (All ages). Stories and musical instruments from around the world. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Okemos Branch, 4321 Okemos Road Okemos.

Overeaters Anonymous. Struggling with food? Overeaters Anonymous offers hope. 7 p.m. Presbyterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Road., Okemos. (517) 505-0068.

Reminisce: Technology Day (Adults). Try out tech devices: tablets, Wii bowling, robots and more. 2 - 3 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Aurelius Branch, 1939 South Aurelius Road Mason.

Trending Topics. Discuss local, state and national headlines. Call ahead. 7 to 8:30 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420.

The Willow Stick Reception. We've moved! Michigan wine/craft beer served. 4-7 p.m. FREE. Willow Stick Ceremonies & Healing Arts, 335 Seymour Ave., Suite D., Lansing. willowstickceremonies.com.