• The Great Dinosaur Detectives, Saturday, Aug. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Travel back in time with master storyteller and award-winning author Steve Tomecek (AKA: The Dirtmeister), who brings the world of dinosaurs to life with fascinating stories and fossil evidence. Discover how early “dinosaur detectives” like Richard Owen, Gideon Mantell, and Mary Anning uncovered clues about these creatures. Steve will use dinosaur fossils to show how paleontologists collect clues to unearth the story behind these creatures that once roamed the Earth. After the program Steve will be available to autograph copies of his popular books, including Dirtmeister’s Nitty Gritty Planet Earth, Everything Rocks and Minerals, and Dirt, which will be available for purchase. Don’t miss this high-energy adventure into the world of dinosaurs and fossils.
• Summer Reading Celebration: Dinosaurs on the Lawn - Friday, Aug. 7, 6:30-9 p.m. Rain date-Saturday, Aug. 8, 6:30-9 p.m.
Summer Reading Program closes with a roaring good finale to the Unearth a Story theme - an evening packed with dino-themed fun for all ages starting with crafts, games and snacks, and ending with an outdoor showing of “Ice Age.” “Real” dinosaurs will be roaming the lawn for friendly visits and unforgettable photo opportunities. We’re thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Tracey West with her Dragon Wagon Book Bus, where every child (birth–grade 12) can choose a brand-new book as her gift. Additional books will also be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or chairs for watching the movie. This event is free and open to all.
• “The Women” with presenter Mary Jane Giarrusso Wilkin, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 6-7 p.m.
Mary Jane Giarusso Wilkin will regale us with stories from her time deployed to Viet Nam as a young nurse. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s book, “The Women,” will be amazed at the similarities between the novel and Mary Jane’s experiences.
• Author Talk: Matthew Jones - Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Two Walton natives take center stage for a special literary evening at the library. Acclaimed author Matthew Jones returns to his hometown to discuss his latest novel, “A Reckoning Up Black Cat Hollow,” in conversation with fellow Walton native Dave Mattern, who will moderate the program. This pulse-pounding crime thriller follows a split-second act of kindness that draws its protagonist into a dark and perilous world, where survival hinges on confronting a deeply buried past. Jones, the author of seven novels—several adapted into major motion pictures—has earned widespread critical acclaim for his psychologically rich, atmospheric storytelling. Books will be available for purchase, and the author will be available for signing following the discussion.
• Puzzle Swap - Saturday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Puzzle lovers, this one’s for you. Adults are invited to this quarterly Puzzle Swap. Bring your gently used jigsaw puzzles and trade them for exciting new-to-you finds. To help make the swap run smoothly tape puzzle boxes shut or place pieces in sealed bags inside the box before bringing them. Feel free to bring as many puzzles as you’d like, though a suggested swap is to bring five and take five. Volunteers will collect puzzles when you arrive so you can start browsing right away. Puzzles with missing pieces are welcome—just add a sticky note indicating how many pieces are missing, and they will be placed on the missing pieces table. Because White Mountain puzzles are especially popular, participants may take up to three, but bring as many as you’d like. Do not bring dollar store puzzles or Puzzle Bug puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to swap? That’s okay—come anyway and take one or two puzzles. Any puzzles you take home are yours to keep, share with friends, or bring back to a future swap.
• Book Club Discussion - Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7-8 p.m. The book club meets monthly on the lower level. This month’s book is “Interior Chinatown” by Charles Yu ©2020. Copies can be reserved through interlibrary loan by calling the library at 607.865.5929 or visiting www.4cls.org
Library News
The library has five fishing poles available for public checkout, through partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s I FISH NY Program. Borrow a pole for up to two weeks and enjoy the great outdoors. Remember, individuals 16 years or older must have a valid freshwater fishing license—but this is a fantastic way to cast a line without the cost of buying gear.
