News Archives - Stonington Public Library

“Perspectives on Mars” with Mimi Gerstell

On August 15 at 5 p.m., Dr. Mimi Gerstell will present “Perspectives on Mars” at the Stonington Public Library. She will share stories about her Caltech research on the geology and atmosphere of the red planet, and about the sociology of academic science. The anecdotes are selected from her recent book, Fish Stories by a Scientific Nobody, and updated with the latest responses to her various publications in refereed scientific journals.

In childhood Dr. Gerstell was a long-time camper at Les Chalets Francais, just south of Sunshine Road in Deer Isle, and she believes that was an essential prerequisite to her getting into Harvard. After some years as Department Head of Engineering Sciences at the Jensen Beach branch of the Florida Institute of Technology, she finished her career as a staff scientist at Caltech in Pasadena, CA. In later life, she has summered in Stonington since 1995.

Raffle of Limited Edition Print

The Stonington Public Library is taking part in a collaborative raffle to benefit local libraries. The item being raffled is a beautifully framed, limited edition print of the poem “The Song of the Unsung” by Wesley McNair, former poet laureate of Maine. This poem was written for and read at Governor Janet Mills inauguration.

All money raised will be used to purchase books that will help local community members struggling with addiction or in recovery. “We hope by offering an updated collection of reading materials for all ages affected by addiction we will help break down any shame or stigma our patrons may feel,” said Jill Larrabee, Stonington librarian. The framed broadside was displayed at Chase Emerson Library in Deer Isle and will be on display at the Stonington Public Library until the 23rd of August with tickets available for purchase. Tickets cost $5.00 each.

Join Community Discussion on August 9

The Island Health & Wellness Foundation, together with the Stonington Public Library and Chase Memorial Library in Deer Isle, invite the public to attend an evening of casual conversation on Friday, August 9^th at 5:00 p.m. at The Reach Performing Arts Center in Deer Isle. The event will feature three local experts in the fields of literature and medicine and serve as a culmination of the Island wide read of Katherine Hall Page’s new book The Body in the Wake.

The Body in the Wake, released in May, is set on a fictional island modeled after Deer Isle-Stonington and its plot directly addresses opiate use. Dr. Charles Zelnick, local primary care provider, David Harlan, LCSW, Behavioral Health Therapist at Bucksport Regional Health Center specializing in substance use disorders, and Katherine Hall Page will talk about everything from addressing the current opioid issues on Deer Isle-Stonington to researching and writing a fictional novel. She will also sign copies of her book at this event.

Anne West,Executive Director of the Island Health and Wellness Foundation, and Jill Larrabee, Stonington librarian, will facilitate the discussion. Anne says, “We want this to be an informal event that celebrates the success of the Island-wide read while also acknowledging some of the deeper issues discussed in the book around opiate use, treatment and recovery.” Jill adds, “This evening is meant to be attended by anyone who is interested in learning more about the work that these three fascinating people do. It is not just for those who participated in the organized book discussions held throughout the summer. We want to keep it entertaining, educational and audience driven.”

No RSVP is necessary. The event should last about one hour and the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions. If you would like more information, please email Anne West at ihwf1966@gmail.com or Jill Larrabee at librarian@stoningtonlibrary.org.

It is not too late to participate in the Island-wide read. Discussions will be held on August 8^th at 5:00 p.m. at the Stonington Library and at Chase Emerson Memorial Library on Tuesday, August 13^th at 6:00 p.m. Anyone interested in participating can visit either the Deer Isle or Stonington libraries to sign up and check out a copy of The Body in the Wake. Extra copies of this book have been generously donated by Harper Collins Publishers.

Anica Rissi Visits Library for Special Story Hour

Join children’s book author Anica Mrose Rissi for a special story time at the Stonington Public Library on Saturday, August 3rd, at 9:30am. Anica will read her new picture book, WATCH OUT FOR WOLF!, and there will be crafts and snacks. This event is perfect for story lovers of all ages, especially fans of animals, fairy tales, and surprises.

About the book: Piggle, Piggleton, Piggit, Piggums, and Pigbert are throwing a party and there is so much to do–but SHHH–watch out for Wolf!

With clever nods to various fairy tales and nursery rhymes sprinkled throughout, this picture book takes the classic Three Little Pigs story in a new direction, celebrating friendship and great party planning, and challenging assumptions and stereotypes.

For more information, visit anicarissi.com

August Events

Mark your calendars now; join your friends and neighbors at the library! For more details, check the Events page.

Saturday, August 3, 9:30 AM	Special Story Hour with author Anica Rissi
Tuesday, August 6	Please Note: The computer class has been cancelled
Tuesday, August 6, 4;00 PM	Book discussion of Hey, Kiddo! with snacks
Thursday, August 8, 5:00 PM	Book discussion of The Body in the Wake
Saturday, August 10, 10:00 AM	Fairy Tea Party at the Island Community Center with author Liza Gardner Walsh
Thursday, August 15, 5;00 PM	“Perspectives on Mars” with Dr. Mimi Gerstell
Saturday, August 17, 9:30 AM	Special Story Hour with the Opera House
Tuesday, August 20, 5:00 PM	Page to Stage with the Opera House

4th Annual Cemetery Tour Tickets On Sale Now

(In the photo above, Kyra Alex portrays her Aunt Ethel Skeans Clifford.)

Mount Adams Cemetery on King Row will be the site of the Library’s fourth annual “Gone But Not Forgotten” cemetery tour on Saturday, July 27, from 1 to 4 PM. Local thespians will portray six people whose lives were intertwined with Deer Isle history and with the larger world. They are:

• Merle Vinton Greene (1913-1980), a WWI mariner, later the bridge toll keeper;
• John L. Goss (1855-1936), quarry owner and operator in Stonington for decades;
• Ethel Skeans Clifford (1928-2005), first administrative assistant at Haystack;
• Dr. Harry Kopfmann (1909-1984), for 40 years the island’s beloved doctor;
• Capt. George Torrey, Sr. (1878-1942), the first islander killed in WWII;
• Paul Stubing (1927-2011), an artist, fisherman, boat restorer and marine historian.

The tour will take place at the cemetery, rain or shine. Tickets are $20 and on sale at the Stonington Public Library in advance or on the day of the event. Tickets will also be sold at the Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle and at Dockside Books in Stonington.

The cemetery tour is the SPL’s main fundraising event. We appreciate your support as we rely on donations and grants for most of our funding. Please help us make this year’s tour the best ever.

Join Danny Oliver to Talk About His Book

Danny Oliver loves this island. He’s lived here all his life and has no desire to leave.

He also loves the island’s history and has written Stonington and Deer Isle: Then and Now, published this spring by Penobscot Books, a division of Penobscot Bay Press.

With commentary on historic and contemporary photos, Danny gives us his take on what’s changed and what’s stayed the same at locations all over the island.

His perspective is unique and thorough, showing an understandable bias for the place of his heart along with priceless bits of local history.

Please join Danny at the library on Sunday, June 30, at 4 PM, when he will read from and talk about Stonington and Deer Isle: Then & Now. Books will be available for purchase.

Special Summer Reading Opportunities for All!

We at the library are very excited for summer reading to begin. There are many ways to celebrate and enjoy the summer season through books!

This year’s summer reading theme is Bookopoly and it is for all ages! Adults read 3 books and enjoy a local treat. Children read and log 20 minutes a day and earn their own prize! For an extra challenge and extra fun, we urge all to complete the Bookopoly. Bookopoly begins June 21^st and ends with a celebration in the park!

We are also pleased to be hosting a summer read featuring author Katherine Hall Page’s hot-off-the-press book The Body in the Wake. Multiple copies hit the library on June 14^th. Get your copy early and join our guided discussions on July 11^th and August 8^th.

We are also having a book club event for teens this summer! We are reading Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krososczka, a graphic novel that depicts his childhood with an addicted mother. This is a well written, eye-opening book that adults will also want to read.

As always, we have fun story hours and author events throughout the summer. For more information check our events calendar.

June Events

Mark your calendars now; join your friends and neighbors at the library! For more details, check the Events page.

Saturday, June 1, 9:30 AM	Story Hour
Tuesday, June 11, 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM	Intro to Computers–Limited class size. Please call to reserve a spot.
Monday, June 17, 9:30 AM	Baby Rhyme Time
Saturday, June 22, 9:30 AM	Globe T-Readers Story Hour for Kids 7-10
Tuesday, June 25, 10:00 AM	Summer reading, for all ages, starts today! Come play Bookopoly with us!
Tuesday, June 25, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM	Internet Skills–Limited class size. Please call to reserve a spot.
Sunday, June 30, 4:00 PM	Danny Oliver reads from and talks about his book–Stonington & Deer Isle: Then & Now.

Tech Tuesday Ends for Season; New Computer Classes Begin April 23

Tech Tuesday stalwarts wrapped up their season this month with great laughter. They will reconvene in October. In the meantime, many other opportunities for computer instruction are available at the library this spring. Thanks to a wonderful collaborative opportunity with Americorps and the Digital Equity Center, five classes will be available in April and May.

The classes meet on Tuesdays from 11:00 until 2:00. Pre-registration (367-5926) is required so that the library has adequate supplies for all interested. The class schedule is as follows:

April 23 and April 30–Introduction to Computers
May 7–Internet Safety
May 14 and May 21–Google Tools

Don’t miss this great opportunity. It is free, convenient, and sure to be fun, like all events at the library!