Monday, January 28, 2013

The Mother of My Invention

Tomorrow evening the Wells Public Library is pleased to present author Patricia Taub, who will be discussing her memoir entitled The Mother of My Invention.  Taub, a former journalist and family therapist, describes  the last two years of her mother's life, and along the way relates the difficult relationship the two shared during Pat's lifetime.

Taub is the story of a daughter who was finally able see her mother in a different light - as someone who faced many struggles and challenges, and coped as best as she could.

The Mother of My Invention is a book that can help all daughters to see their own mothers as real people with real problems, and that what we can learn about them might help us to live better lives.

The program starts at 6:30, and registration is not required.  For more information please call the library at 646-8181.  We look forward to seeing you for what should prove to be a most enlightening talk. 

Friday, January 18, 2013

Talking about Books

The book I'm reading right now is The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas.   I've been a fan of Dallas ever since her first novel, Buster Midnight's Cafe.  I read Persian Pickle Club when it was first published in 1995, but I'm re-reading it in preparation for next Tuesday's Book Discussion Group.  

Cheryl Mills facilitating a lively discussion
The Wells Public Library currently hosts two Book Discussion Groups; our evening group has been meeting for about 6 or 7 years, and last fall we launched our afternoon group.  I have to say that Book Discussion day is my favorite day of the week.  What could be better than spending a pleasant couple of hours in a library talking about books with a group of people who enjoy reading as much as I do?

We co-sponsor the groups with Wells-Ogunquit Adult Community Education, and the Director of that program, Cheryl Mills and I work together to plan the discussions.  We try to select books that will appeal to a number of people, taking in to consideration such practical matters as availibilty of titles and length of the book.  Most of the books are contemporary fiction, although we also try to include a classic and a non-fiction title.  from time to time. We try to ensure that enough copies are available in the MINERVA online catalog in a variety of formats - audio, regular print and large-print.

Cheryl and I also share the responsibity of facilitating each discussion, spending extra time preparing for the group by researching background information and preparing questions for discussion.  During the discussion the facilitator is not only there to ask questions, but to make sure that everyone has a chance to participate and that the discussion doesn't stray too far off topic.

Occasionally one of the members will let me know they aren't going to be there because "I just didn't like the book."  I always encourage them to come anyway, because it's interesting to get that different perspective.  Some of our best discussions have been when there are dissenting views on the book, and one of my favorite discussions was a couple of months ago when I immensely disliked a book that everyone loved.  It's great seeing people get passionate over stories and ideas, and I find myself re-energized after every discussion.

We invite all of you to join us and see for yourself how invigorating a Book Discussion can be.  For more information about dates and times as well as a list of the upcoming titles, please visit the Book Discussion page of our website.

 If you would like more information just  give me a call - 646-8181.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Hannah Hill's Sampler

In 1985 the library received a very special  donation from Leonard and Barbara (Hill) Berry of New Castle, New Hampshire.  Most of you are probably familiar with the large Grandfather clock that stands next to the Check-out Desk; if not by sight, then by sound as it chimes (mostly) on the hour.  

But very few people are aware of the framed sampler that hangs in the Director's office.  This sampler was made in 1827 by twelve-year-old Hannah Hill, who lived in Wells with her family.

From January 12 through March 2 you will be able to view this lovely sampler at the Saco Museum as part of its exhibit "I My Needle Ply With Skill": Maine Schoolgirl Needlework of the Federal Era.  Along with the exhibit, the Museum has planned several related programs, including a "Stitch In" by the Embroiders'  Guild of America, and "Stitching for Beginners and Beyond.  For more information about this exhibit, please visit sacomuseum.org.

IN March, after the sampler returns  to its permanent home here in the library, if I'm in my office, please feel free to stop by and take a look at this treasure from Wells history.