Library’s Friends offer up a diverse lineup of spring activities

The Friends of the Canton Public Library have planned an agenda for the spring with something to please everyone. Their programs will begin Thursday, May 5, with a presentation by Robert Martello, PhD, on his new book, Midnight Ride, Industrial Dawn: Paul Revere and the Growth of American Enterprise. Martello is an associate professor of the history of science and technology at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham.

“We’d discussed supporting a history-related event at the suggestion of some Friends members, and were also trying to find topics with possible multigenerational appeal to support,” said Friends President Mike Sundin.

The group learned of the book through the Needham Friends of the Library, who had organized a similar event with Martello. The Needham Friends passed along the information that the book not only deals with Paul Revere, but that the town of Canton is also prominently featured.

Martello’s upcoming lecture is free. He will speak from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the Community Room.

On May 14, young knights (K-3) and their loyal squires are invited to stay up or sleep over at the Library Castle.

“Mary Jane Mangan, [Friends] volunteers, and the librarians have put together a great program of activities,” said Sundin.

The adventure features Merlin’s magic, knight training, craftsman’s forge, the banquet hall and legends of heroes by the fire, and the Sword in the Stone. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8 a.m. the next morning. Information and sign-up forms are available in the Junior Room.

Sundin said that one goal of the Friends for 2011 is to support additional programming activities for older kids, especially teens.

On May 19, Katie Peterson will teach a hands-on cooking class for kids ages 10 to 14. Students will make recipes from her cookbook You’re the cook! A guide to mixing it up in the kitchen, which is geared specifically toward young adults who are just beginning to learn the art of cooking. The cooking class will run from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and registration is required.

“The Friends are trying some new things, like the hands-on cooking class,” Sundin said. “And if they are well received, we’ll support more. We’re planning a ‘Cupcake Wars’ event later in the year and are looking at a few CSI or forensic science-related programs as well.”

On June 18, the Friends will hold their annual book sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Room. It will feature the traditional children’s book sale as well as an adult rummage sale with hundreds of titles to cover the whole family’s summer reading needs. The Friends are seeking donations of gently used children’s books only for this particular sale. Book donations may be dropped off any Thursday now through June.

“The money raised by the Friends of the Library supports the purchase of books and other materials in accordance with needs identified by the library director, trustees and staff,” Sundin said. “We also sponsor adult and children’s programming activities, and community events consistent with the mission of the library.”

Information about these and other Friends of the Library events may be found at www.town.canton.ma.us/library and also on Facebook.

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Posted by Mary Ann Price on Apr 28 2011. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.