The new program will allow parents and other grown-ups to enjoy a feast of learning at the same time as kids are attending the children’s Summer Reading Program.
SOUTH HADLEY – The South Hadley Public Library has long had a Summer Reading Program for children. Now, for the first time, it’s offering a concurrent Adult Summer Reading Program.
The new program will allow parents and other grown-ups to enjoy a feast of learning at the same time as kids are attending the children’s Summer Reading Program, whose theme this year is “One World, Many Stories,” in the same building.
The new adult series is called “Novel Destinations,” and it will take library patrons around the world not only through a recommended novel – “In a Sunburned Country,” by Australian Bill Bryson – but also through a series of films and talks.
“In a Sunburned Country” will be discussed book-group-style on July 20 at 6:30 p.m.
The adult program kicks off June 27 with the Egyptian-made 2007 film “Arranged.” It’s about two young women, one Jewish and one Muslim, who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in New York.
“Arranged” is the first of six acclaimed foreign films that will be shown on Wednesdays at 3 p.m.
Other films on the schedule are “The Violin,” from Mexico, on July 6; “Shall We Dance?”; from Japan, on July 13; “Noise,” from Australia, on July 20; “The Pope’s Toilet,” from Brazil, on July 27; and “Ben X,” from the Netherlands, on August 3.
Also on July 6, the program will offer a talk on Greek iconography by icon painter Jacqueline Mizaud, at 6 p.m.
On July 13 at 6:30 p.m., there will be a presentation on tea by Robert and Mary Lou Heiss, authors of “The Story of Tea” and owners of Cooks Shop Here in Northampton.
On July 25, Jonathan Evans, herbal expert and owner of The Herbarium in Chicopee, will speak on how different countries use herbs, at 6 p.m.
Davis Bates, a folksinger and storyteller, will offer adults a presentation on folk songs around the world on July 27 at 6 p.m.
On August 3 at 6 p.m., Lisa Modenos, who recently received her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, will present a talk on “The Cyprus Peace-Building Process.”
Modenos did first-hand research on the relationships between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. “I also have lots of fantastic images from Cyprus,” she says.
People can attend any of the events in the new adult reading program free of charge. Throughout the summer, they can also pick up handouts on travel and international crafts, according to librarian Desiree Smelcer.
Every adult who signs up at the screening of “Arranged” on June 27 will get a free raffle ticket. At the end of the summer, a drawing will be held, and prizes donated by local businesses will be given away.
After all – why should kids have all the fun?
The South Hadley Public Library is at 27 Bardwell St. Phone is (413) 538-5045.