Calendar

Barbara Diamond Goldin will read from her brand new book, The Passover Cowboy; discuss her inspiration for this unique picture book; and answer questions from the audience. Copies of The Passover Cowboy will be available for sale, with a book signing to follow. Light refreshments will be served, and all ages are welcome!

We’ve collected a great selection and variety of books for adults, teens, and children, as well as CDs, DVDs, and more!

All proceeds benefit Emily’s Friends of the Library, a group dedicated to volunteering and fundraising for our library. For more information about Emily’s Friends and how to join, click here!

Sean Gaskell will give a performance and educational demonstration on the kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa.  He will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the kora’s musical repertoire in addition to some of his own personal compositions.  All ages are welcome!

The Kora is native to the Mande peoples who live within the countries of Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau. The music is traditionally played by oral and musical historians known as Griots (Gree-ohs). The Kora is a melodic and seemingly peaceful instrument, which is somewhat contrary to its musical repertoire. Many songs tell ancient stories of war and hardship, while others praise people of high political status and those who helped expand the Mande Empire. While the Kora is only 300 years old, some commonly played songs can be traced back 800 years to the Mande empires’ founding. Gaskell has studied extensively under the instruction of Malamini Jobarteh and Moriba Kuyateh of Brikama, The Gambia, and Kane Mathis of Brooklyn, NY. Gaskell has been featured at numerous festivals in the US, Gambia, and Senegal.

For a preview, check out this video of Sean performing.

This is a drop-in slide show, presented by local author and illustrator Blanche Cybele Derby. Blanche will talk about how some common, early spring weeds can be used as food. You’ll discover how to identify and use often overlooked plants for delicious additions to your meal.
Blanche Cybele Derby is author and illustrator of My Favorite Plants, My Wild Friends (out of print) and More My Wild Friends, and creator of the film trilogy Edible Plants: Wild and Tame (Spring, Summer, and Fall). She has led numerous walks, lectured extensively and regularly includes wild plants in her meal.

Check out her website to learn more!

Emily’s Friends of the Library is holding their annual members meeting with a special talk to follow! Tom Ricardi of Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center will present on Raptors of the Pioneer Valley.

David Daley, former Editor-in-Chief of Salon, joins the library on June 14th to talk about his book, Rat F**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count. With much political and judicial debate around gerrymandering in today’s news cycle, we are thrilled to have the man who wrote the book uncovering the GOP-organized REDMAP program to reshape districts and legislatures in favor of Republican interests. Copies of Daley’s book are available at the library for checkout. Daley will be talking about his book with local author Seth Harwood, answering your questions, and signing books. Join us for tea and coffee to follow.