At the Picton branch of the County of Prince Edward Public Library we are pleased to have a busy schedule of guest speakers this August.
On Saturday, August 11, join award-winning author Merilyn Simonds outside the Picton library for an afternoon tea at the Vic Café patio. Enjoy finger sandwiches and tea and an engaging discussion. Tickets are $25 and support the Picton library expansion. Simonds will discuss her newest title, Gutenberg’s Fingerprint, which asks the question “What is lost and what is gained as paper turns to pixel?” She will discuss the future of the book in light of the digital options now widely available.
If you are interested in Canadian politics, don’t miss author J.D.M. Stewart on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. He will talk about the behind-the-scenes stories of how his book Being Prime Minister came together, including speaking to six of Canada’s seven living former prime ministers. He will speak about what it is like to be prime minister. Copies of his book will be available for sale and he will be happy to sign them.
Artist Sarah Hall will stop by the Picton branch on Thursday, August 16 at 3 P.M. to present an illustrated talk on her new book, A Thousand Colours. She will discuss the art of stained glass, including solar and bird friendly windows. Sarah is an internationally recognized artist creating large-scale art glass installations and solar projects and we are excited that she has moved to the area and will share this talk about her experiences at the library.
One of the library’s patrons called was astonished she was speaking at the library — “What a great opportunity – she is world renowned!” View her web site www.sarahhallstudio.com to get a sneak peek of her impressive work.
Al Purdy A-Frame writer-in-residence Jeff Latosik will present a talk entitled “Thinking About Writing in the 21st Century” at the Picton branch Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. This will be an interactive event that asks the question: how should we think about writing in the 21st Century? The event will draw from two areas not normally invoked when thinking about writing—evolutionary psychology and evidence-based psychology. Drawing on his experience as an advice columnist for writers, Latosik will explore how insights from these fields might gesture towards new ways of thinking about the art form in our disorienting time. This promises to be a one-of-a-kind talk appealing to both writers and readers.
We are hard at work behind the scenes planning a similarly packed autumn schedule. If you have a skill to share or a talk you can give, let us know. We regularly field requests from our patrons who wish to learn a new language. If you speak French or Spanish and would be willing to volunteer to lead a conversational group at any of our six branches, please let us know. No teaching experience required!
Additionally, we are planning more fundraising events in support of the Picton Library expansion. If you have suggestions or speakers you would like us to consider, you can reach me by e-mail ([email protected]) or call 613- 399-2023. For the latest details about fundraising events, visit timetorenew.ca.
-Liz Zylstra