January 7, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Julia Glass

I-See-You-Everywhere-2.jpgWednesday, January 7
Noon
McManus Room

Winner of the National Book Award for her first novel, Three Junes, bestselling author Julia Glass will discuss her new book, I See You Everywhere, a tale of two sisters, together and apart, told in their alternating voices over twenty-five years. Alive with all the sensual detail and riveting characterization that mark Glass’s previous work, I See You Everywhere is a candid story of life and death, companionship and sorrow, and the nature of sisterhood itself.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
About the book.

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January 8, 2009

OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: Sullivan's Travels

Sullivan-s-Travels-Posters.jpgThursday, January 8
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Sullivan's Travels, a Hollywood classic from 1941, starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake. This is a brilliant satire which grows more pertinent every year. A unique achievement from the wonderful writer-director Preston Sturges.
(90 min)

More information.

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Poe at 200: A Celebration of an American Master
Natural Supernaturalism:
A Perspective on the Enduring Appeal of Edgar Allan Poe

markschenker.jpgThursday, January 8
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Mark Schenker will present a talk on Edgar Allan Poe that places his life and works in the context of the American Gothic and 19th-century romanticism. The creator of one of the most popular literary forms, the detective story, and a master of another, the tale of psychological horror, Poe has a status with the reading public-both in an out of the classroom, with both children and adults-that is matched by no other American writer of his century with the possible exception of Mark Twain. And like Twain, Poe made a contribution to the American literary landscape with a public persona that remains as memorable as some of his fictional creations.

Event sponsored by Susan Tane.

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January 10, 2009

FAMILY PROGRAM: Children's Opera Theater presents
Little Red Riding Hood

red200.jpgSaturday, January 10
2:30 pm
McManus Room
Ages 4 & up

Presented by University of Connecticut's Opera Theater, the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood is set to music by composer Seymour Barab. There will be a brief overview of the world of opera and a chance to talk to the performers.

Children's Library webpage.

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TRENDS in TECHNOLOGY: Craigslist for You

craigslist.jpgSaturday, January 10
11:00 am
McManus Room

Learn about the hottest internet site from Rob Rogers of the Library technology staff. Craigslist is a central network of online communities featuring free advertisements.

More about Craigslist.
Craigslist website.

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January 11, 2009

Poe at 200: A Celebration of an American Master—
Poe Impersonator David Keltz

davidkeltz_poe small.jpgSunday, January 11, 2009
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Appearing in costume and character as Edgar Allan Poe, David Keltz's one-man show provides an up-close and personal encounter with this classic storyteller. Becoming all the characters in Poe's stories, Keltz will entertain with Poe's chilling prose, haunting poetry and charming fantasies, getting to know Poe personally as a human being as well as a famous author. Appropriate for age 12 and up.

David Keltz's website.
Event sponsored by Susan Tane.

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January 12, 2009

Poe at 200: A Celebration of an American Master—Collecting Edgar Allan Poe

pen-and-ink-silhouette-of-p.jpgMonday, January 12
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Today, as the bicentennial of Poe’s birth is celebrated, he is more avidly collected than ever. The preeminent contemporary private Poe collector, Westporter Susan Jaffe Tane has lectured on her collection worldwide and continues to be featured in books and magazines highlighting prominent collectors. Over the course of twenty years, she has built the most exceptional Poe library in private hands and includes many of Poe’s unique manuscripts and letters, scarce copies of his first editions, rare examples of the original newspaper and magazine issues in which much of his work first appeared, and editions of his most famous poem, “The Raven”. She will talk about the history of her extraordinary collection and how it documents Poe’s remarkable life and work through the artifacts of his own hand in his own time.

More information an exhibit of her collection shown at Cornell University.
Event sponsored by Susan Tane.
Above, pen and ink silhouette by an unknown artist, from the collection of Susan Tane.

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January 13, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Emma Gilbey Keller

Emma-Keller-COVER-The-Comeb.jpgTuesday, January 13
Meeting of WYWL at 7:00 pm; Author talks at 7:30 pm
McManus Room

Emma Gilbey Keller will discuss her inspiring new book The Comeback: Seven Stories of Women Who Went from Career to Family and Back Again. Instead of a debate about work versus home, Keller proves, through telling the detailed stories of these seven women, that it is possible to go from work to home and back to work again, and that your first step back doesn’t have to be the definitive one. Even your second career can have many incarnations.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Author's website.
Co-sponsored by the Westport Young Woman’s League.

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January 14, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Julie Mughal

LandWithoutHats.jpgWednesday, January 14
Noon
McManus Room

Author Julie Mughal will discuss her book, Land without Hats, a stirring and inspiring book which explores the difficulties faced by widows in the developing world and their courage in the face of adversity.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Author's website.

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January 15, 2009

OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?

What-s-Eating-Gilbert-Grape.jpgThursday, January 15
2:00 pm
McManus Room

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, with the young Johnny Depp and the young Leonardo Di Caprio playing brothers. A poignant story with memorable performances; DiCaprio was nominated for best supporting actor. (117 mins)

More information.

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Poe at 200: A Celebration of an American Master—
A Graphological Look at Poe

another-sample-from-Tane's.jpgThursday, January 15
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Edgar Allan Poe was heavily influenced by the aesthetic pattern of the writing, as well as the writer's reputation and literary output. Graphologist Arlyn Imberman, author of Signature for Success, will draw on the collection of Susan Tane's Poe memorabilia, as well as manuscripts and letters of well known literary figures of the time, to offer an enlightening, professional opinion of Poe's graphological analysis. The comparisons between Poe's analyses and those of a professional graphologist will create an interesting and fascinating presentation.

Event sponsored by Susan Tane.
Above, portion of Poe manuscript from the collection of Susan Tane.

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January 17, 2009

Knit and K'Nosh

knitting-for-web.jpgSaturday, January 17
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Seminar Room


Join in an afternoon of knitting at the Library. Bring your knitting supplies and the Library will provide the snacks. Socialize with other knitters and lend each other help and encouragement. Just drop in.

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Special Event:
Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the publication of Free to Be...You and Me

free_to_be_cover[1].jpgSaturday, January 17
3:00 pm
McManus Room

Meet Marlo Thomas and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the record album and illustrated songbook Free to Be...You and Me with your family and friends.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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January 18, 2009

The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group: In a Strange City

in-a-strange-city2.jpgSunday, January 18
2:00 pm
Seminar Room

Discussion of In a Strange City by Laura Lippman. Every year on Poe's birthday the "Poe Toaster" visits the author's gravesite and leaves roses and cognac. When a man is killed at the ceremony, reporter Tess Monaghan becomes a prime player in the drama.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
About the book.

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January 20, 2009

Pageturners: Loving Frank

LovingFrank.jpgNote: Date change due to Inauguration day
Wednesday, January 21
10:30 am, Seminar Room and
7:30 pm, Higgins Room

In Loving Frank, Nancy Horan's first novel, she draws on years of research to weave little known-facts into a compelling narrative portraying the conflicts and struggles of Mamah Borthwick Cheney as she strives to justify her clandestine love with Frank Lloyd Wright. She is forced to choose between the roles of mother, wife, lover, and intellectual, seeking to find her own creative calling in the world.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821.
New participants always welcome.
Book Review.

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Jobseekers Resource Seminar

jobseekers.jpgTuesday, January 20
10:00 am
McManus Room

Learn how to find valuable company, industry and other jobseeker information, and have your resume reviewed by Michael Shavel of the CT Department of Labor.

For more information, contact Sylvia at 291-4840 or e-mail sschulman@westportlibrary.org

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The Inauguration of President Barack Obama

inaug-with-day-of-week.jpgTuesday, January 20
Noon
McManus Room

Witness the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on the Library's big screen.

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January 21, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY:
Kathy Farrell-Kingsley

The-Home-Creamery.jpgWednesday, January 21
Noon
McManus Room

Cookbook author Kathy Farrell-Kingsley will discuss her new book The Home Creamery which gives simple, step-by-step instructions for making a variety of fresh milk products, as well as includes recipes that use them.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
About the book.

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January 22, 2009

OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: The Entertainer

The-Entertainer.jpgThursday, January 22
2:00 pm
McManus Room

In The Entertainer, the brilliant Laurence Olivier, plays a seedy vaudevillian, reprising his huge stage success; directed by Tony Richardson. Alan Bates and Albert Finney make their movie debuts, and Joan Plowright, soon to become Ms. Olivier, is featured. (97 mins)

More information.

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January 25, 2009

MUSIC@THE LIBRARY: The Ralph Lalama Quartet

L-R-Rick-Petrone,John-Hart,.jpgSunday, January 25
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Saxophonist Ralph Lalama will perform with a quartet that features Joe Corsello, drums, Rick Petrone, bass, and John Hart, guitar. They embody the great spirit of jazz with incredible improvisation and top notch musicianship.

Picture (L-R): Rick Petrone,John Hart,Joe Corsello, Ralph LaLama.
More information.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.

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January 28, 2009

Best New Books from Sybil Steinberg

Sybil-Steinberg.jpgWednesday, January 28
Noon
McManus Room

For books to settle down for a great read this winter. Westporter Sybil Steinberg, contributing editor and former book review section editor for Publishers Weekly, will share her list of the best new books. Always fascinating to listen to! Bring your notebooks for this critic’s expert overview of newly published titles that are not to be missed.

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January 29, 2009

OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: The Gods Must Be Crazy

gods-must-be-crazy-i-DVDcov.jpgThursday, January 29
2:00 pm
McManus Room

The Gods Must Be Crazy is the story of a Kalahari Bushman's first encounter with civilization in the form of a coke bottle. What he and his tribe think about the discovery makes for a hilarious film and one you'll be laughing at long after you see it. Winning a number of awards for its young director, it has played all over the world, ran for two years at the same theatre in California, and was probably the most memorable film to come out of South Africa when it was released in 1980. (109 mins.)

More information.

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January 31, 2009

FAMILY PROGRAM: The Science Genie

laser.jpgSaturday, January 31
2:30 to 3:30 pm
McManus Room
Grades K & up

What makes a laser different from a normal light? Watch enlightening experiments with invisible ultraviolet light, bending laser beams and a high powered musical finale. Presented by The Children's Museum.

No need to register!
Children's Library webpage.

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February 2, 2009

Great Hall Art Exhibit: Westport/Weston Y’s Men Camera Club

Bill-Balch-Preening-Peacock.jpgFebruary 2 to March 31
The Great Hall

"Through Our Eyes": a collection of photographs by the Y's Mens Camera Club will be on display in The Great Hall for the months of February and March.

Opening reception: Friday, February 6, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Light refreshments served. Enter through the main level Library entrance.
Above photo by Bill Balch, "Preening Peacock"

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February 3, 2009

Twilight Book Discussion

twilightminicover.jpgTuesday, February 3
7:30 pm
Seminar Room

Discussion of the book Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and how it differs from the movie. Refreshments will be served.

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BUSINESS AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Geoff Colvin

Talent-Is-Overrated2.jpgTuesday, February 3
7:30 pm
McManus Room

In Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, Fairfield author and journalist Geoff Colvin, Fortune’s senior editor-at-large and former co-anchor of "Wall Street Week" on PBS, shares secrets of extraordinary performance and how to apply these principles to life and work. He will explain cutting-edge research and eye-opening facts that debunk the myth of innate talent.

Book will be available for purchase and signing.
Article by Geoff Colvin.

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February 5, 2009

OVERCOAT FILM SERIES: Best In Show

best_in_show.jpgThursday, February 5
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Best In Show is a hilarious “mockumentary” by Christopher Guest, with many of his familiar performers. The plot follows five dog owners who take their assorted pets to a prestigious national dog show being held in Philadelphia. The dogs are funny, but their owners are funnier still. (90 mins)

More information.

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February 6, 2009

Opening Reception:
Great Hall Art Exhibit of photographs from the Westport/Weston Y’s Men Camera Club

Mike-Guthman-Shadows.jpgFriday, February 6
6:00 to 7:00 pm
The Great Hall

"Through Our Eyes": a collection of photographs by the Westport/Weston Y’s Men Camera Club will be on display in The Great Hall for the months of February and March.

Light refreshments served.
Enter through the main level Library entrance.
Above photo by Mike Guthman, "Shadows"

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February 7, 2009

Knit and K'Nosh

knitting-for-web.jpgSaturday, February 7
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Higgins Room

Join in an afternoon of knitting at the Library. Bring your knitting supplies and the Library will provide the snacks. Socialize with other knitters and lend each other help and encouragement. Just drop in.

Contact Nancy Kuhn-Clark at 291-4843 nkuhn-clark@westportlibrary.org for more information.

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Westport Library Tenth Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest

aliceduttonwinner.jpg Saturday, February 7, 2009
1:00 pm
McManus Room

The Tenth Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest with Will Shortz!

Click here to register
More information
Picture above: Will Shortz congratulates Alice Dutton, the 2008 Grand Prize Winner.
Photo: Lynn U. Miller

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February 8, 2009

MUSIC@THE LIBRARY:
Musica Plenti

Willows.jpgSunday, February 8
2:00 pm
McManus Room

The award-winning vocal chamber ensemble Musica Plenti commands a rich repertoire of music. Its members are professional singers who combine solo virtuosity with sensitive ensemble singing. Their concerts cover a wide range of classical music from madrigals and motets to opera and modern American music.

Musica Plenti website.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.

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February 9, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Val McDermid

Val-McDermid-a-darker-domai.jpgMonday, February 9
Noon
McManus Room

A Darker Domain, the new psychological thriller from bestselling author Val McDermid, mixes fiction with one of the most symbolic and exceptional moments in recent history - the national miners' strike in the UK. The multiple award-winning McDermid, who adapted one of her books into the successful television series Wire in the Blood, will discuss this newest of her crime fiction novels, which explores the violent intersection of desire and greed.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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February 10, 2009

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: What’s Happened to Wall Street?

D-Komansky.jpgBirinyi.jpg Tuesday, February 10
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Moderated by Business Week's senior editor and senior economist Jim Cooper, two veterans of the financial world will discuss the current state of Wall Street.

David Komansky (left), who serves on the Library’s Advisory Council, retired as Chairman of Merrill Lynch in April 2003 after spending 35 years at the firm. Laszlo Birinyi, Jr. (right), founded Birinyi Associates in 1989 after nearly two decades on Wall Street. Birinyi Associates is a stock market research and money management firm.

Community Conversations are sponsored by The Smilow Family.

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February 13, 2009

BOOKLOVER'S BASH

booklovers.jpgFriday, February 13
6:00 to 8:00 pm
The Great Hall

Celebrate books with your Friends, enjoy some wine and cheese and wear a name tag that lists your favorite book. You'll be sure to strike up a conversation with other book lovers and come away with new book ideas for 2009. Enter through upper level entrance.

Click here to submit your selections.

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February 15, 2009

The Usual Suspects Mystery Reading Group:
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

the-quiche-of-death.jpgSunday, February 15
2:00 pm
Seminar Room

Discussion of Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton. The irascible Agatha has moved to a picture-book English village. She buys a quiche for the village quiche-making contest which poisons a judge and then she becomes the killer’s next target.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821. New participants always welcome.
About the book.

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February 17, 2009

Pageturners: Three Cups of Tea

Three-Cups-of-Tea.jpgTuesday, February 17
10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Seminar Room

After his failed attempt to ascend K2, Greg Mortenson was taken in and nursed back to health by the people of an impoverished Pakistani village. In Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, the story of his promise to return one day and build them a school is told. From that rash, earnest promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time.

For copies of the book, phone 291-4821.
New participants always welcome.
Book Review.
Three Cups of Tea website.

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February 18, 2009

Rock Band@ the Library

rock-band.jpgWednesday, February 18
7:30 pm
McManus Room
Ages 12 and up

Rock out with the popular Wii game RockBand!

Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.

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February 22, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Harold Holzer

holzer.gifSunday, February 22
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Harold Holzer, one of the leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and the culture of the civil war era will discuss his latest books, The Lincoln Anthology: 85 Writers on His Life and Legacy from 1860 Until Now and Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861. Winner of the 2005 Lincoln Prize, Holzer is co-chairman of the U.S. Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, has written or edited more than 30 books on Lincoln and the Civil War, and currently serves as Senior Vice President for External Affairs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

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February 23, 2009

FAMILY PROGRAM: Vacation Movie

happy_feet_2006_poster.jpgMonday, February 23
2:00 pm
Higgins Room
All ages with adult

Happy Feet, 108 mins.

Children's Library webpage.

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February 24, 2009

Over 40 and Looking for Work

Hand%20Shake%20with%20Edge.jpgTuesday, February 24
9:30 am to Noon
McManus Room

Workshop with Michael Shavel, experienced Career Development Specialist at the CT Department of Labor. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Contact sschulman@westportlibrary.org or 203-291-4844.

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AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Joseph Weisburg

Joe-Weisberg-Cover-jpeg.jpgTuesday, February 24
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Joseph Weisberg will discuss his new novel, An Ordinary Spy, which spotlights the confusing but strangely bureaucratic world of the CIA. It is the thrilling story of two CIA Case Officers whose lives are permanently changed by the agents they recruit and run.
NYT Sunday Book Review.
Author's website.

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February 25, 2009

Teen Authors@ the Library

maureenjohnson1-crop2.jpglibbabray-crop2.jpgcassandra-clare-3-crop.jpgrobinwasserman-crop.jpg








Wednesday, February 25
7:30 pm
McManus Room

Hear popular young-adult authors Maureen Johnson, Libba Bray, Cassie Clare, and Robin Wasserman discuss their books and their writing process. With genres ranging from sci-fi to fantasy to “chick-lit,” there is sure to be something to pique everybody’s interest.

Books available for purchase and signing.

Contact Jaina Lewis at 291-4809 or jlewis@westportlibrary.org for more information.

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February 27, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Fred Strebeigh

Equal.jpgFriday, February 27
Noon
McManus Room

Fred Strebeigh, who teaches nonfiction writing at Yale and contributes articles to numerous publications, will discuss his new book, Equal: Women Reshape American Law. Tracing the dramatic advance toward legal recognition of sex discrimination, Equal reveals the stories of the women who battled the blatant inequities in America's legal system.

Book will be available for purchase and signing.

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March 1, 2009

MUSIC@THE LIBRARY:
New England Winds

NEWINDS1.jpgSunday, March 1
2:00 pm
McManus Room

Bringing an attitude that is all their own, the Air Force's New England Winds create an intimate musical setting that will capture the imagination of any audience. This group of five is well versed in traditional quintet repertoire and performs musical selections ranging from the 18th century to the contemporary period. The group consists of Staff Sergeant Avril Claytor on flute, Staff Sergeant Kate Nettles on oboe, Senior Airman Ian Tyson on clarinet, Staff Sergeant Andrew Fordham on horn, and Staff Sergeant Christopher Stahl on bassoon.

More information.
Supported by the Grace K. Salmon Foundation.

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March 2, 2009

AUTHORS@THE LIBRARY: Adam Gopnik

Angels-and-Ages.jpgMonday, March 2
7:30 pm
McManus Room

On a memorable day in human history, February 12, 1809, two babies were born an ocean apart: Abraham Lincoln in a one-room Kentucky log cabin; Charles Darwin on an English country estate. Searching for the men behind the icons of emancipation and evolution, Adam Gopnik will discuss his book Angels and Ages: A Short Book About Darwin, Lincoln, and Modern Life. Hear about their captivating lives, Lincoln and Darwin as they really were: family men and social climbers; ambitious manipulators and courageous adventurers; the living husband, father, son, and student behind each myth.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.
New Yorker article.

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