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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Community Library Director Vicki Shurly updates us on happenings at the library, including Trick or Treating, musings on Edgar Allen Poe, and a tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald. Read on. -jb
Edgar Allen Poe was only 40 years old when he died 176 years ago this week, but he left behind a legacy of mystery, both in his work and his personal life.
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Considered the father of detective fiction, his poems and stories often involved the macabre. He was the first American author to make a living primarily through writing, which made for a difficult life. Most people today don’t realize that during his short lifetime, he was known more for nonfiction essays and reviews that he wrote as the editor of a number of magazines than the famous gothic horror we associate him with today.
Rivals found him a severe, but respected critic, and he often battled back and forth with other writers of the era. It was an image that followed him to his grave after his mysterious death, the cause and circumstances leading to it unknown. How interesting that in this month of goblins, witches, ghosts and darkening days, we return almost fondly to his stories that chill us with the unknown!
What we DO know here at Peninsula Community Library is that October is a month of fun for all!
Upcoming Events
Chillin’ With Dave. Old Mission’s Dave Baumann shares his lively takes on favorite tunes. 10/9 @ 7 p.m. Dessert is on us! Enjoy the music. Concert is indoors.
Quilts for Kids. Join Kellie Chase to transform fabrics into patchwork quilts for kids facing serious trauma. Quilts for Kids is a non-profit organization. Materials provided. RSVP. 10/14, 10-noon.
Peninsula Insights – Something Funny Happened on the Way to My Funeral. Rick Hazey shares an authentic personal account of the unexpected joys, love and laughter found in facing the end of life journey. 10/15 @ 7 p.m. A short version of Rick’s presentation won The Moth Competition in Ann Arbor last year. Note: Peninsula Insights will not meet in November and December.
Out of Africa. Want to visit Africa? A Peninsula neighbor and a professor from NMC offer a travelogue on South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Learn about NMC’s travel program. 10/20, 6:30 p.m.
Trick or Treat in the Garden. Skeletons, stories, crafts and more! Not too scary family fun! 10/25, 11-12:30 p.m. Stories start promptly at 11 followed by other activities. Kids may come in costume if they like!
Looking Ahead
DIY! Craft a lovely ribbon runner for your Thanksgiving table, 11/4, 2-4 p.m. RSVP by 10/28!
Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Shipwreck expert Ross Richardson helps honor those lost in a Lake Superior storm 50 years ago. We will end the program with the famous ballad. 11/10 @ 6:30 p.m.
Dementia/Alzheimer Care. Caring for people with memory issues is tough. Expert Kelly McCord shares an overview of the physical changes and ways to navigate caring. 11/13, 4-5:30 p.m.
The Gift of Life. PCL partners with VERSITI for a blood drive 11/19 from noon-5. Blood collected stays in Michigan. Register here.
The Regulars
- Story Stew for preschoolers – the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays @ 11.
- Reading Dogs Lani & Rosie – Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m.
- Threads – Mondays 10-noon. Bring a project, work among friends!
- Gentle Yoga with Tina Livingston – Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. for a small fee.
- Pageturners – the 3rd Thursday @ 6:30 p.m. Books available on a first come basis.
- Spanish Meetup, on the 3rd Saturday @ 10:30 a.m.
- Takeout craft bags for kids the 1st full week of the month. Adult craft bags seasonally. While supplies last!
- Pokémon Club – Kids ages 7-10 meet to talk about and trade cards on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 12:30 1:30. Audra Tompkins facilitates!
- Fox’s Fiesta, My Person & Me Movement Class is temporarily on hold.
I leave you with a bit of humor from a man who often wrote darkly, but actually loved satire, puns, hoaxes and silly names. I can certainly relate to this one!
“If you wish to forget anything on the spot, make a note that this thing is to be remembered!” – Edgar Allen Poe
And I cannot not share this from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables:
“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers!”
Happy Autumn!
Vicki Shurly, Director
Peninsula Community Library
2893 Island View Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 223-7700, [email protected]
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