Howl at the Moon: Tom Sieling, widely acclaimed singer and songwriter from Newfield, New York, will perform a free, very participatory family program called “Howl at the Moon with a Ground-Dweller Tune!” at 6:00 pm on July 22 at the First Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, Constitution Way, Rochester. This show consists of participatory, humorous children’s songs that are guaranteed to engage everyone. Tom accompanies himself on guitar, banjo, harmonica and a drum machine, and all songs include parts for the whole family. Pre-registration is requested. Call the library at 508-763-8600 or email info@plumblibrary.com.
Café Parlez’s selection for July is Saturday, by Ian McEwan, chosen by book group member Bev Farwell. February 15, 2003, starts as a regular day for Henry Perowne, a successful neurosurgeon, husband and father of two grown children. A minor traffic accident brings him in contact with Baxter, an angry, aggressive young man on the edge of violence. Later, during a family reunion, Baxter appears at Henry’s home, with extraordinary consequences. With McEwan’s usual graceful prose and with more drama, this book shows how life can change in an instant, for better or for worse. We will be discussing this book on July 25 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy. Café Parlez is sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library. We will also be holding the annual Café Parlez Book Swap and Trivia Quiz. Bring a book to share with the group.
Just the Facts, the nonfiction book discussion group, will be reading Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood, by Alexandra Fuller. Born in England in 1969, she moved with her family in 1972 to a farm in Rhodesia. After that country’s civil war in 1981, the Fullers moved first to Malawi then to Zambia. Amid all of the unrest, not just in the country but in her home, Alexandra grew up to be a writer. This is more than a survivor’s story. It’s the story of one woman’s unbreakable bond with a continent and a people. We will be discussing this book on July 18 at 6:30 pm. Copies are available at the desk. At this meeting, we will also be having a book swap. Participants are invited to bring a copy of a book to share with the group.
Universal Class: Don’t let summer “brain drain” happen to you! Sign up for our free online classes at Universal Class. You can choose from over 500 classes in topics like Haunted Places, Microsoft Word 2010, GED Test Prep, Card Games Basics, UFO Studies, Chemistry 101, Bird Watching 101, Caring for Seniors, Retirement Planning, and many more. Teachers can earn professional points. All classes take place at your home computer on your own time. Participants are in contact with a retired educational professional through email. Also, all programs are free of charge, and are available through the Plumb Library website to Rochester cardholders. Go to www.plumblibrary.com and click on the “Register Here” button near the Universal Class icon. Ask at the desk for more information or for assistance in signing up.
Wednesdays: Writing club from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Ages 9 and up can meet to share their writings, learn tips and practice writing in different styles. Guest authors may pop in from time to time to give advice. July 17: High school teacher Sarabeth Morrell; July 24: Kathleen Brunelle, author of The Search for Maria Hallett of Cape Cod. From 2:30 to 3:00 pm, Kathy will meet with the Writing Club. From 3:30 to 4:30 pm, she will be doing a reading from her book and will have copies for purchase and signing.