Local author Ed Lodi will give a talk about his latest book The Women of King Philip’s War on May 9 at 6:30 pm at the Plumb Library, 17 Constitution Way, Rochester. Though often overlooked by historians, women played major roles in the war. Included are three squaw-sachems: Awashongs, Weetamoo, and Quaiapen, who rose up with Philip against the settlers. Also included is the fascinating tale of Mary Rowlandson, the Englishwoman taken captive in a raid against the village of Lancaster, whose extraordinary narrative of her captivity became America’s first bestselling book. There are other women in the book whose names have been lost to history, but whose exploits have become the stuff of legends. Lodi rounds out his talk with accounts of what daily life was for women in the settlements; the “stealth and stratagems” used by Indian women acting as spies; and the restrictive laws and how some Englishwomen defied them. There will be a question and answer period. Copies of the book will be sold and can be signed by the author. The talk is free and sponsored by the Friends of Plumb Library. Call us at 508-763-8600 for more information.
On May 23 at 6:30 pm, financial advisor Bill Geasey will be giving a talk on “Plan, Save, and Pay for College … without Going Crazy or Broke!” This program is suitable for parents of children ages 4-14. Mr. Geasey will cover: How to make a college game plan now; the key to college affordability is within your child; how will you avoid the highly counterproductive effect of college debt; what is financial aid, and will it work for you? This workshop is for you if you have young kids and/or early teenagers; you take the need for higher education seriously; you are concerned about future costs and possible debt; plan to contribute to the cost of your child’s higher education; hope your child gets the very best education, but want to know how. Please make a point of attending this informative and timely workshop. Call the library at 508-763-8600 for more information or to register.
The Mad Scientists of “Mad Science” will amaze the children as they “dig” into the layers of the Earth to see its make-up. They will also investigate how scientists evaluate what they find. The presentation really pops when they see what happens when what’s inside the Earth tries to get out. This presentation rocks! This program will take place on May 31 at 4:30 pm at the Rochester Congregational Church, 11 Constitution Way, and is suitable for children ages 5 and up. This program is funded by the Friends of Plumb Library.
Café Parlez’ selection for May is The Age of Miracles, by Karen Thompson Walker. On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, Julia and her family awake to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the earth’s rotation has started to slow. Days and nights grown longer, gravity is affected, and the environment is beginning to suffer. As she struggles to navigate this shifting landscape, Julia is also coping with the ordinary stresses of everyday life. As she adjusts to the new normal, the slowing inexorably continues. This compelling debut novel will have the reader thinking about how they would cope in this situation. We will be discussing this book on May 30 at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the desk, or bring your own copy.
Just the Facts, the nonfiction book discussion group, will be reading Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II, by Michael Zuckoff. In 1945, 24 American servicemen and women boarded a plane to see “Shangri-La”, a beautiful valley deep within Dutch New Guinea. But when the plane crashed, only three pulled through to fight for survival. Drawn from interviews, Army documents, photos, diaries, and original film footage, this is the first time this true-life adventure has been told. We will be discussing this book on May 16 at 6:30 pm. Copies are available at the desk.