Harnessing History: On the Trail of New Hampshire’s State Dog, the Chinook
Wednesday, November 13th at 6pm
Join us for this newly offered program!! In partnership With the New Hampshire Humanities, come learn how dog sledding developed in New Hampshire and how the Chinook played a major role in this story. Explaining how man and his relationship with dogs won out over machines on several famous polar expeditions, Bob Cottrell covers the history of Arthur Walden and his Chinooks, the State Dog of New Hampshire. Cottrell will be accompanied by his appropriately named Chinook, Tug.
“How To” soup with Dietician Marilyn Mills and Hannafords Market.
Thursday November 14th at 6 PM
Come learn deliciously ways to warm your way into winter with these satisfying comfort meals.
Harnessing History: On the Trail of New Hampshire’s State Dog, the Chinook with Bob Cottrell
Wednesday, November 13, 6 pm
This program looks at how dog sledding developed in New Hampshire and how the Chinook played a major role in this story. Explaining how man and his relationship with dogs won out over machines on several famous polar expeditions, Bob Cottrell covers the history of Arthur Walden and his Chinooks, the State Dog of New Hampshire. Cottrell will be accompanied by his appropriately named Chinook, Tug.
“How To” Painting class with Currier Museum of Art instructor Lauren Steele
Tuesday, November 19 at 6 pm
In this beginner level class, students will begin by exploring autumn landscapes from the Currier Museum of Art permanent collection. Led by an Art Center instructor, students will then create their own autumnal scenes in watercolor paints and oil pastels.
“How Much is it Worth?” Rare Book Appraisal Program with Ken Gloss of Boston’s Brattle Book Shop. (Registration Required)
Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm
Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing section, will discuss the value of old and rare books. Ken, who is also a frequent guest appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow, will talk in part about the history of his historic bookshop (www.brattlebookshop.com), which goes back to circa 1825. He is a second-generation owner.
Ken will talk about and show some of his favorite finds and describe some of the joys of the “hunt,” as well as explain what makes a book go up in value. He has many fascinating anecdotes to share as well as guidelines for what to look for when starting a collection. There is also a Q&A session before the conclusion of his talk.
Following the talk and question-and-answer session, he will give free verbal appraisals of all books that attendees have brought with them or will do so at his shop in Boston.
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Holiday Events:
Thursday, December 12, 6-7 pm,
Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Come in your PJs for a special visit from the North Pole and hear stories and share snacks and go home with a small gift.
Saturday, December 14, 12-2 pm,
Holiday Gingerbread House making party! All goodies provided, just sign up and bring your smiles!
Saturday, December 21, 11-2 pm,
Fifth Annual Christmas Cookie Swap! Bake five dozen homemade cookies and drop off Friday, December 20, between 5-8 pm and pick up anytime between 11-2 pm on Saturday your new tray with a new selection of goodies to take home and share with your family and friends. Sponsored by the Friends of Smyth Public Library.
Ongoing Programs:
Thursday, November 21th at 11am- THURSDAY MORNING GROUP:
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
We have made space for a new reading club on the fourth Thursday of the month at 11am. Come in and pick up the title today!
As the Civil Rights movement begins to reach the black enclave of Frenchtown in segregated Tallahassee, Elwood Curtis takes the words of Dr. Matin Luther King to heart: He is “as good as anyone.” Abandoned by his parents, but kept on the straight and narrow by his grandmother, Elwood is about to enroll in the local black college. But for a black boy in the Jim Crow South of the early 1960s, one innocent mistake is enough to destroy the future. Elwood is sentenced to a juvenile reformatory called the Nickel Academy, whose mission statement says it provides “physical, intellectual and moral training” so the delinquent boys in their charge can become “honorable and honest men.”
In reality, the Nickel Academy is a grotesque chamber of horrors where the sadistic staff beats and sexually abuses the students, corrupt officials and locals steal food and supplies, and any boy who resists is likely to disappear “out back.” Stunned to find himself in such a viscous environment, Elwood tries to hold onto Dr. King’s ringing assertion “Throw us in jail and we will still love you.” His friend Turner thinks Elwood is worse than naive, that the world is crooked, and that the only way to survive is to scheme and avoid trouble.
Wednesday, November 20th at 7pm- THURSDAY NIGHT GROUP:
Same Kind of Different as me ~ Ron Hall
This month’s book will be available for pick-up at the library, but feel free to join the group for many interesting discussions!
A dangerous, homeless drifter who grew up picking cotton in virtual slavery. An upscale art dealer accustomed to the world of Armani and Chanel. A gusty woman with a stubborn dream. A story so incredible no novelist would dare dream it. It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana… and an East Texas honky-tonk… and, without a doubt, in the heart of God. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda… an upscale New York gallery… a downtown dumpster… a Texas ranch. Gritty with pain and betrayal and brutality, this true story also shines with an unexpected, life-changing love.
Same Kind of Different as Me is a tale told in two unique voices – Ron Hall & Denver Moore – weaving two completely different life experiences into one common journey where both men learn “whether we is rich or poor or something in between this earth ain’t no final restin’ place.
Feel free to join these groups for many interesting discussions!
Please see Reading Groups Page for a description of this month’s book.
Stitching Up The World-knitting Group With Lisa Cote held on every third Wednesday of each month from 6-8 PM on 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, & 12/18.
Drop in Coloring night for all ages, all supplies provided, every Friday 6-7 pm. (packets also available for use in library anytime we are open)
SEEKING WRITERS of all levels and abilities! We have a wonderful writing group at Smyth Public Library on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Please let us know if you would like to be a part and sign up or just come by and start writing. Writers group meets 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at 6:30 pm
See the “children,” “teen,” and “music series” tabs for more great events!