Local artist Lyle Pierce’s paintings of Alaska and some additional local scenes are currently on display in the library art gallery. On Thursday, July 24 from 7:00 - 7:45 pm in the art gallery, Lyle will speak about his paintings and will answer questions.
Everyone is welcome.
This is an important book to read if you want to understand what is going on in the world today and where we might be heading in the future. Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International and writer of a weekly column on international affairs, tells us that the great story of our time is “the rise of the rest.” The economic growth of countries such as China, India, Brazil and Russia is creating a new world order, and according to Zakaria the current political debate in the United States is ignoring this development, instead concentrating on issues of terrorism, immigration, and homeland security.
I found it incredibly informative, surprisingly optimistic, easy to read, and at only 258 pages it took no time at all.
Highly recommended!
Jan Dempsey
What is the Internet doing to our brains?
Is it changing the way we think?
A thought provoking article by Nicholas Carr can be found in the July/August 2008 issue of Atlantic magazine.
You can find it here.
Jan Dempsey
In June we will be discussing a non-fiction book “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. It’s the story of a young man who in 1992 gives up all of his possessions and heads to Alaska to live off the land. The New York Times calls it “terrifying…eloquent…a heart-rending drama of human yearning.”
Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. or Thursday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m.
In July, we’ll be reading Nicholas Spark’s memoir “Three Weeks with My Brother.” “As moving and emotionally riveting as his best-selling works of fiction, Nicholas Spark’s unique memoir, written with his brother, Micah, chronicles both an astonishing around-the-world adventure and a life-affirming inward journey. Bound by memories both humorous and tragic, the two brothers banded together to heal, to remember, and to learn to live life to the fullest.”
NEW DAY & TIME! (The library will be closed on Wednesday nights in July and August so we will have one group only - Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m.)
On a lighter note, in August we will be discussing John Grogan’s story of life with the world’s worst dog in “Marley & Me.” We probably all have a few worst dog (or cat or bird or horse) tales to share. I know I do.
(We’ll be meeting the last week in August rather than the third week - Thursday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m.)
Everyone is welcome!
- Jan Dempsey
Tony Horwitz has done it again. If you have read “Blue Latitudes” or “A Confederate in the Attic” you know that Horwitz knows how to write intriguing historical travelogues. In his new book “A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World,” Horwitz tackles the 300 years before Plymouth Rock and Jamestown when the Vikings, the French, and the Spanish explored this country. It’s a fascinating account, well researched and even better told in Horwitz’ witty, engaging style. Highly recommended!
Jan Dempsey
Published in 2001, Leif Enger’s “Peace Like a River” is a beautifully written story of family love. It’s the story of a Midwestern father raising his three children alone in the 1960s. Their quiet life is turned upside down when the oldest son kills two young men who have come to attack his family. On the morning of his sentencing, Davy escapes from jail and the family (father, daughter and asthmatic other son) heads out to find him. It is a story touched by tragedy, romance, spirituality, and adventure. I could not agree more with a reviewer from Publisher’s Weekly who said, “This is a stunning debut novel, one that sneaks up on you like a whisper and warms you like a quilt…a novel about faith, miracles, and family that is, ultimately, miraculous.”
Jan Dempsey
Kathie Arnold, a Cortland County legislator, owner of Twin Oaks Dairy in Truxton and chair of the New York State Organic Advisory Task Force, will be presenting two programs at the library on
Saturday, June 7.
The first program is for youth in grades K - 6. They will learn about cows, farming and there will be cow-related activities. This will be offered in Youth Services from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
The second program is for teens and adults. Kathie will talk about organic farming and organic products. This program will be offered on the main floor from 11:00 - Noon.
Celebrate dairy month with the Cortland Free Library!
Last year, Randall Elementary School teacher Kathleen Elliott-Birdsall visited the Maasai tribe in Kenya, Africa and shared stories and photos of her trip in a September library program.
Now the Maasai are coming to Cortland. Join us as we learn from the Maasai about their language, music, dance, dress and food.
Thursday, June 5 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
All ages welcome.
Our June book discussion group will meet Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 pm or Thursday, June 19 at 10 a.m.
The book pick for June is a non-fiction title ”Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. The New York Times describes the book as “Terrifying…Eloquent… a heart-rending drama of human yearning.”
Hope you can join us!
Jan
I learned so much about food and farming from journalist Michael Pollan in his book “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.” In his new book “In Defense of Food” I learned even more about food; what we should and shouldn’t eat, and even how we should eat. He writes about how foods became food products, the industrialization of food, the western diet and gives us some realistic suggestions on how to reclaim our health. Highly recommended.
Jan Dempsey
