Ongoing and upcoming events at the library
YORK VILLAGE - Events at the York Public Library in the month ahead offer something for everyone.
WRITERS' NIGHT
On Friday, June 1, at 7 p.m., the York Public Library will host noted author Ann Beattie and Maine's Poet Laureate, Betsy Sholl, who will read from their works and discuss their writing. Ann Beattie, short story writer and novelist, has received critical acclaim for her depiction of the generation of Americans who grew up in the 1960s. Betsy Sholl has published six collections of poetry, most recently "Late Psalm," from the University of Wisconsin Press, 2004.
ARTIST RECEPTION
On Thursday, June 7, at 5 p.m., the library will hold a reception for artist Richard Brown Lethem, whose works will be on exhibit in the library during June and July. An active painter and draughtsman over the past forty years, Lethem has exhibited nationally in numerous museum and galleries. The subject matter of his oil paintings is abstracted from nature and the human figure.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
On Thursday, June 7, for a third year in a row, you can stop for an ice cream cone, grab a sandwich or dine elegantly at local eateries. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds that day to the library. For the most up-to-date list of restaurants, please visit http://www.york.lib.me.us/.
BABIES, BOPPIES AND BOOKS
On Thursday, June 14 from 10:15 to 11 a.m., join this book group for mothers with babies under a year old, which meets on the second Thursday of each month, to discuss books members have selected and enjoyed. Come as you are, meet other moms with babies and talk about a good book. The group is open to new members on a continuing basis. The book for June is "Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia" by Elizabeth Gilbert. The book is about a recently divorced woman's travels, experiences and healing.
GET A CLUE! - CHILDRREN'S SUMMER READING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Wednesday Morning Movie Mystery films begin at 10:30 a.m. starting June 27, including "The Great Muppet Caper" on June 27; "Harriet the Spy" on July 11; "The Great Mouse Detective" at July 25; "Escape to Witch Mountain" on Aug. 1; "The Secret of Roan Inish" on Aug. 8; "The Secret Garden" on Aug. 15, and "Hoodwinked" on Aug. 22.
Good Nights Bedtime Stories at the York Public Library will be offered on Wednesday evenings in August from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Children may come to the library in pajamas for quiet stories on summer nights.
Summer Preschool Story Time for ages 6 and under will be on Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m.
Harry Potter returns to on Thursday, July 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., when York's own Juanita Reed, also known as The Party Mom, will present a party in honor of the publication of the last Harry Potter book. Register with Kathleen at the library at 363-2818. This program will be limited to 20 children, and the library staff asks that those who have come to previous Harry Potter parties let other children have a chance to register first.
Summer Family Fun Series, co-sponsored by the York Public Library, Kennebunk Savings Bank and York Recreation Department, features three exciting programs for all ages. On June 28 at 10:30 a.m., the Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers will join us with "Everybody Loves Pirates." This nationally-known puppetry troupe from Bar Harbor will sail into York Harbor. Lucy and Little Chucky discover a treasure map that a group of pirates is very interested in as well. On July 12 at 10:30 a.m., Jan Zimmermann, a musician and storyteller who has been enchanting audiences up and down the Maine coast, will bring tales of mystery to the library. On Thursday, Aug. 9 at 10:30 a.m., Dennis Labbe, a practicing magician since the age of seven, will present an exciting and magical experience for children and families.
CUBA THROUGH ITS LITERATURE: A BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES
"So Near and So Far: Cuba through its Literature," is funded by a grant from the Maine Humanities Council. This "Let's Talk About It" book discussion series begins on Thursday, June 28, at 1 p.m. Cuba is intriguing, it's mysterious, it's rich in cultural tradition and it's just 90 miles off the tip of Florida. Historian Jeffrey Aronson will facilitate the book discussions, which explore the history, culture political turmoil and romantic spirit of Cuba. The series continues on the following Thursdays, July 12 and 26 and August 9 and 23. Space is limited. Please call 363-2818 to reserve a place and a copy of the first book in the series. Books in the series are listed at http://mainehumanities.org/programs/talk-cuba-literature.html.
ART AT THE LIBRARY
The Todd Bezold and Michael Walek exhibit continues through May 31. Richard Brown Lethem's works will be on exhibit during June and July.
York Art Association member Louise M. Whelton exhibits her watercolors of barns and birds in the Kennebunk Room for the months of May and June.
IN THE CHILDREN'S ROOM
Weekly programs for children at the York Public Library include Preschool Story Time, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., with the last program until the autumn on May 31. Monthly programs for children and parents that are held October through May include Making Music Monthly, Tactile Toddler Time, Babies, Boppies and Books and Art by the Pond.
