A WILD Summer at the Southwick Public Library

Southwick Public Library's Wild Reads at your library Summer Reading Program culminated with a visit from Rainforest Reptiles' Michael Ralbovsky, who presented "Alligators and Crocodiles" on July 31 to a crowd of over 200 people. We met creatures that were small enough to fit in his pocket, and then a rare Chinese alligator that measured at least two feet in length. Mike is a herpetologist and the general curator for Rainforest Reptile Shows, who often provide animals to "Animal Planet", and was expert in sharing information about these amazing animals, emphasizing that although they may seem to be good prospective pets when they are small, they are wild animals to be respected in their natural habitats. The highlight of this interactive presentation was when any member of the audience could hold or pat the Chinese alligator.

This exciting special program, one of fifteen offered by the library this summer, marked the end of a successful summer reading program at Southwick Public Library which saw a 75% increase in adult participation as well as a steady participation by children and young adults.

~ Margo Storozuk, Children's Librarian, Southwick Public Library

Be sure to visit the WMRLS READS! website for more information on children, teen, and adult summer reading programs.

At the Forbes Library: FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT OCTOBER 4

Forbes Library is delighted to invite our community to a free outdoor concert by two (and maybe three--stay tuned) contemporary local bands! Bring your friends and a blanket or lawn chair to the lawn at 20 West Street in downtown Northampton on Saturday, October 4 at 2 PM (rain date, Oct.11).

School for the Dead

This event was conceived when multitalented Library Associate Jason Mazzotta's contemporary "Anglophile power-pop" band, The Novels, was featured in The Valley Advocate. When the Forbes programming team saw the article, we decided Jason deserved much more than 15 minutes of fame. So we began planning a multi-band concert showcasing local talent. Also performing will be School For the Dead, fronted by Northampton musician Henning Ohlenbusch. Both bands are known for their intelligent, intelligible lyrics and melodic, danceable arrangements. It promises to be an afternoon of relaxing, upbeat fun for the whole family.

The Novels

"We're hoping to make live outdoor music an annual event at Forbes," says Arts & Music Librarian Faith Kaufmann. "In the 1920s, so many people gathered here for a Community Sing that they overflowed West Street. It's time to bring our community together around music again."

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/schoolforthedead

http://www.schoolforthedead.com/press07252002.html

http://www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=7935

http://www.myspace.com/novelspace

http://www.forbeslibrary.org/


~ Faith Kaufmann, Information Services/Head of Arts & Music, Forbes, Northampton

Recommended Program: Golden Wings and Hairy Toes

I wanted to share a program idea geared for adults that ties nicely into this summer’s reading theme. Todd McLeish, author of the book Golden Wings and Hairy Toes: Encounters with New England’s Most Imperiled Wildlife, gave a presentation at our library and it was really interesting. He is a great storyteller and shared some fascinating facts about endangered species in our area. “Todd McLeish profiles fourteen of New England’s most rare and endangered flora and fauna — mammals, birds, insects, plants, and fish — by following the biologists who are researching, monitoring, and protecting them. Todd traps bats in Vermont and lynx in Maine, gets attacked by marauding birds in Massachusetts, and observes the metamorphosis of dragonflies in Rhode Island. He visits historical cemeteries to see New England’s rarest plant, tracks sturgeon in the Connecticut River, and observes a parade of one of the rarest mammals on earth, the North Atlantic right whale, in Cape Cod Bay.” His fee was very reasonable and everyone seemed to enjoy it. His website with contact info is http://www.toddmcleish.com/.

~ Lisa Downing, Assistant Director, Forbes Library, http://www.forbeslibrary.org/