Westerly Sun Column | Beat the Heat at the Library

August has arrived, but summer isn’t slowing down yet! I absolutely adore the sun and the heat, and normally can’t get enough of it, but even I’ve been seeking out the icy reprieve of the air-conditioned library. It’s really the humidity that seems to be the most bothersome, making us feel lethargic and sluggish. Unfortunately, I don’t have a wand to magically reduce the heat index, but I CAN tell you that there are a ton of upcoming programs at the library that are sure to entertain and even educate you, while you do nothing more than sit back and relax in a refreshingly cool space.

I’m most excited about our “Black Bear” presentation this coming Wednesday, August 6, with Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn. Black bear sightings have been on the rise in both Rhode Island and Connecticut, and I imagine that you’ve seen pictures floating around social media, or on the news, of a bear hanging out a bit too close to home. In addition to discussing the history of bears in our area, and providing an overview of their habits and habitats, Paul will offer practical recommendations on how we can confidently and safely coexist with our black bear population. The presentation begins at 6:00pm (in our beautiful and chilly auditorium), and advance registration is requested.

Author talks are another great opportunity to escape the heat for a bit and learn something new, without having to exert too much energy. This month, we’re fortunate to have discussions scheduled with Caleb Mason, author of “Thickafog: An Archer Island Mystery”; Jim Pierce, author of “The Beginning”; Marguerite Holloway, author of “Take to the Trees”; Juliette Fay, author of “The Harvey Girls: Pioneering Waitresses of the Southwest”, and Professor Andrew Pessin, author of “Anti-Zionism on Campus: The University, Free Speech, and BDS”. Any of these, on their own, are sure to be fascinating, but if you were to attend all 5 you would enjoy a wide gamut of genres and topics, from historical fiction and mystery to more serious and scientific nonfiction.

Just as there are a range of genres to explore, I also know that there are all manner of people and weather preferences out there. Undoubtedly, more than a few of you are silently swearing at this column, because you prefer to spend as much time outside as possible before the temperatures begin to drop. We hear you, and we’ve also scheduled plenty of outdoor programs for those that aren’t afraid of being out in the elements! Marguerite Holloway’s author talk is actually set to take place out in Wilcox Park, and we also have walking tours of the park every other Saturdays. The Colonial Theatre will present their “Shakespeare Summer Shorts” in the evenings from August 13th through 16th, and families are invited to join us every Friday at 9:30am at Westerly Town Beach for a special seaside storytime! No matter the weather, there is something to keep you entertained.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian