Arts briefs: Oscar-winning 'Whiplash' will be shown Thursday at Lake Elmo Library

"Whiplash," the movie that yielded an Oscar for J.K. Simmons — best supporting actor — and was nominated for best picture, will be shown at the Lake Elmo Public Library this week. The screening is Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m. There will be free popcorn.

The film concerns an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite East Coast music conservatory. The movie contains strong language.

The library is at 3537 Lake Elmo Av.

An "open mike" night and a tribute to Middle Earth are among the programs for teens in Washington County libraries in March.

• Teens can display their talents at open mike night at Park Grove Library, Cottage Grove, from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10.

• They also can celebrate the start of Middle Earth's new year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Hardwood Creek Library, Forest Lake. Those who come in costume get a prize. Registration is required: visit http://tinyurl.com/k7r2oeo.

Libraries in Woodbury and Oakdale will host beginning classes in genealogy this coming weekend.

Each class requires registration. Visit http://tinyurl.com/o2l3gkw for the first one and http://tinyurl.com/ntj97r4 for the second.

ArtReach St. Croix is offering workshops on how to have a great book discussion.

The context is the Valley's upcoming "Big Read," in which everyone is encouraged to read a single book and take part in discussions. But the training could be useful in other ways.

The free workshops are two hours long and open to the public. The instructor is retired literature professor Carolyn Wedin.

The Big Read in the St. Croix Valley will be focused on "Love Medicine," by Minnesota author Louise Erdrich.

Libraries in the valley will host discussions about the book this spring. Visit www.ValleyReads.org for dates and times.

Tai chi classes are being offered on Thursday mornings at the arts center in Hudson, Wis. Classes are from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Phipps Center for the Arts.

The classes aim at relaxation and release from discomfort, as well as greater vitality and physical strength.

Punch-cards are $100 for eight classes. Classes may be taken at any time; students only pay for those they attend.

Send the fee to the center, 109 Locust Street, Hudson, Wis., 54016; call 715-386-2305 to register with Visa or MasterCard or visit www.ThePhipps.org. Add a $5 processing fee for phone, mail, or online.