Albert Wisner Public Library announces its January program schedule
Programs explore local history, poetry, the environment and 'astronomy for everyone’ Warwick Registration is now open for the free programs scheduled for January at the Albert Wisner Public Library. Hot Sun, Black Dirt: History of the Drowned Lands and Pine Island Sunday, Jan. 15, 2 p.m. John Ruszkiewicz, president of the Drowned Lands Historical Society, will present facets of the history of the Black Dirt region and the Pine Island community. Third Saturdays Poetry Series at Albert Wisner Library Featured reader Howard Horowitz, followed by open reading. Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. Howard Horowitz is a geographer and poet who teaches in the Environmental Studies program at Ramapo College. His poetry has appeared in a variety of books and journals. His collection Close to the Ground: One Treeplanter’s Geography was published by Hulogos’i (Yew Books). The book deals with his experience planting trees with worker-owned cooperatives in Oregon and Washington. During the last 15 years, he has developed a form of cartographic poetry he calls “wordmaps,” some of which have been made into posters. One of them, “Manhattan,” was on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times in 1997, and has since been included in ten anthologies. He and his wife Ann have lived in Warwick since 1983. Earthwise Book Discussion Series, with Mary Makofske. From January through May the Library will host the Earthwise Book Discussion Series. Join Mary Makofske in this exploration of our evolving relationship with our environment. Four books are included in the series, two fiction and two no-fiction. These titles views of where we are now and where our conflicting needs and desires might lead us. Participation in the entire series is not mandatory. Copies of the books are available at the Library. Introduction: Thursday, Jan. 26, 6:30 p.m. Mary Makofske will offer an overview of the four books to be read. Strange as this Weather Has Been by Ann Pancake (fiction): Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Told in different voices, this novel depicts the impact of mountain-top coal removal on West Virginians torn between their connection to their land and their dependence on coal mining. Garbage Land by Elizabeth Royte (non-fiction): March 15 at 6:30 p.m. With an engaging and witty style, Royte measures and then follows her garbage to see where, and how, it is disposed of. In the process, she introduces fascinating facts & people. Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood (fiction): April 19 at 6:30 p.m. Speculative fiction about what happens after a plague almost wipes out the human race. Bioengineered new “humans” and God’s Gardeners try to cope with the results. Eaarth by Bill McKibben (non-fiction): May 17 at 6:30 p.m. Eaarth declares that we have already changed the earth we evolved on so it will be much less hospitable and must lower our impact and learn to cope with challenging conditions. Though her summons alarming data and projections, McKibben believes we can build a sustainable future. Astronomy for Everyone: Size & Scale of the Universe Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. Astrophysicist Kevin Manning, a former consultant with NASA, has always been passionate about astronomy, and wants to share the excitement with you! During the program, you will learn about the size and scale of the universe, the stars, and other celestial wonders using hands-on activities and assorted visuals. Following the presentation, a powerful telescope will be set up outdoors for viewing the craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn and other beautiful objects in the night sky, weather permitting. This program is open to adults, teen and children accompanied by parents or care-givers. Essential information The programs are in the new Community Room on the lower level. Participation is open to all adults residing in the Warwick Valley School District. Registration is required. Registration is available online at www.albertwisnernerlibrary.org. You may also register by phone by calling 986-1047 ext. 3 or in person at the Help Desk on the Main Level of the library. For more information about winter programs for adults, teens and children, visit the library’s web site at www.albertwisnerlibrary.org.