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 9th 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 8th at 5:00 p.m. at the Stonington Library and at Chase Emerson Memorial Library on Tuesday, August 13th 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.
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.
Danny Oliver loves this island. He’s lived here all his life and has no desire to leave.
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 21st and ends with a celebration in the park!
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.
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.
Mark your calendars now; join your friends and neighbors at the library! For more details, check the Events page.
What does your family tree look like? B. J. Jamieson, genealogy reference specialist at the Maine State Library, will be at the library on Thursday, February 28, at 4:00 PM, to teach you how to research your family’s history. Learn from an expert about the free research tools available through the