Library Events for May 2011

Thursday May 5th at 7:00 pm
Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

The Hourglass Readers will present a reading of Shaw’s Arms and the Man. This play, which Shaw called “An Anti-Romantic Comedy,” was written in 1894 and was first performed at the Avenue Theatre in London in the same year. It was perhaps Shaw’s first successful play and was taken to America by actor-manager Richard Mansfield in late 1894. Catherine Behrens will direct a cast that includes Melody Actouka, Dakota Benedetto, Marganna Ekkens, Peter Eisenstadter, Jonathan Flower, Bert Torsey and Robert Wellington. The Hourglass Readers is dedicated to performing readings of classical works in abridged format, allowing both actors and audiences to explore works not often performed. All performances are free and open to the public.

Saturday May 7th from 9:00 am til Noon
The Door to Imagination: How to Awaken Your Inner Storyteller
with Odds Bodkin

This three-hour workshop is based on Odds Bodkin’s graduate level courses and is appropriate for high school students, teachers and any adult interested in storytelling. It’s exhilarating, educational and fun! There is no memorizing. You will learn how to tell a story in your own words, trusting your own imagination. Three hours of discovering and strengthening your Inner Storyteller by training your Mind’s Eye. During this three-hour workshop you will learn: story structure, the five imaginations, from imagery to voice, character, and personal story and classic story. Tuition fee is $35. To reserve a space please contact Miguelina Bodkin at 938-5120 or rivertree@mcttelecom.com.


Thursday May 12th at 7:00 pm
Why I Left the Amish with Saloma Miller Furlong

Saloma Miller Furlong’s new book, Why I Left the Amish: A Memoir, came out in January of this year and we are fortunate to have her speak to us here in Hancock. Furlong, who works at Amherst College, recalls her experiences as a child growing up within the Amish community and how over time she came to leave it. Compelling and provocative, riveting and insightful, Why I Left the Amish offers a rare look behind the organdy curtain that separates the Amish from the outside world. Saloma Miller Furlong was born and raised in an Amish community in Ohio, which she left in her quest for freedom and a formal education. She graduated from Smith College in 2007 and currently works in the German Department and European Studies Program at Amherst College. This program is free and open to the public.

Thursday May 19th at 7:00 pm
A Few More Miles with Ben Slavin
From Hooksett, NH to Ushuaia, Argentina on a Motorcycle!

In October 2009, Ben Slavin left his home in Hooksett, NH in search of adventure. Over the course of 6 months he rode his motorcycle 23,000 miles through 15 countries until he reached the southernmost city in the world - Ushuaia, Argentina. Ben recently returned home from another 6 week ride south of the border, where he was filming an educational and inspirational how-to-guide for motorcycling in Mexico. Join Ben as he shares photos and stories from his amazing ride through Latin America. Free and open to the public.

Thursday May 26th at 7:00 pm
New Hampshire’s Grange Movement: Its Rise, Triumphs and Decline

Much of rural New Hampshire in the late 19th century was locked in a downward spiral of population decline, abandonment of farms, reversion of cleared land to forest and shrinking of villages, all of which contributed to widespread feelings of melancholy and loss among its residents. The development of the Grange movement in the state in the 1880s and 1890s was aided greatly by people’s hunger for a new vehicle to draw communities together for social interaction, entertainment and mutual support. As the Grange rapidly established chapters throughout the state its influence in public affairs expanded greatly as well, such that by 1910 it had become a major force in policymaking in Concord, while many of its members had risen to important leadership positions, including that of governor. The Grange brought an agenda that aligned closely with the Progressive wave that swept New Hampshire politics in the early 20th century and many of the initiatives it advocated became law, placing the state at the leading edge in a number of areas of reform. This lecture will address the rise, the triumphs and the eventual decline of the Grange movement in New Hampshire. Steve Taylor is an independent scholar, farmer, journalist and longtime public official. Taylor operates a dairy and maple farm in Meriden Village, New Hampshire and served a quarter century as NH's Commissioner of Agriculture. He has been a newspaper reporter and editor. He was also the first Executive Director of the NH Humanities Council and is a lifelong student the state's rural culture. This program is co-sponsored by the Hancock Historical Society and is made possible by a grant from the NH Humanities Council. Free and open to the public.


From the Children’s Room…

Tuesday, May 3rd from 3:15 - 4:00
Lego Club for Elementary School Students

Drop by and build something! A snack will be provided.

Thursday, May 12th from 3:30-4:30
Origami Storytelling with Michael Sullivan

Master storyteller Michael Sullivan returns to the library to share some favorite tales, accompanied by an origami lesson. For students in grades 1-5. Please call the library to sign up as this will fill up fast! 525-4411

Tuesday, May 31st at 2:30
Story and Craft Time

Join Britton in the Children's Room for some fun stories and a simple art project. For preschoolers and kindergartners. Bring a friend!