News from the Pierson Library

Today!  Our younger patrons are invited to explore the “Science of Scent” at 1pm today. Courtney Worthington from Healthy Living will be demonstrating the science of smell with her Paranorman-themed line of scents.  Everyone 5 years of age and older is welcome.

Tonight!  The Geek Mountain State Sci Fi/Fantasy Book Group will be discussing “Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie at 7pm.  Pizza will be served to stimulate your palate and your tongue!  Leckie’s book explores what it means to be human in unique and thought-provoking ways.  This discussion is co-hosted by the Pierson Library and Geek Mountain State (www.geekmountainstate.com).

Egg Drop Science Challenge! Our younger aspiring scientists are invited to join us on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 1pm for our latest challenge involving eggs. A good time will be had by all and you will learn something in the process. Please register in advance so we can get those hens producing all the eggs we will need for the experiment.

The Science of Light and Color:  Younger patrons are invited to join author Rebecca Rupp on Thursday, Aug.14 at 1 pm as she conducts experiments with mirrors and spinning color wheels to reveal the science of light and color. You will have the opportunity of doing some hands on experiments of your own, liking making a lava lamp or kaleidoscope, and color mixing with capillary action.  What does that mean, you ask? Come to the event on Aug. 14 to find out!  Please register in advance.

Tuesday Evening Book Club:  The club will be meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 6:30pm to discuss “The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford. This novel about two school age Americans of Chinese and Japanese descent during World War II poignantly illuminates the sad chapter in American history when Japanese-Americans were hustled off to internment camps and forced to leave their personal belongings behind. You are welcome to come for this discussion only or as a regular participant.

Wednesday Morning Book Club:  The club will be meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 10am to discuss “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” by Laurie R. King. This is the first book of her series featuring Mary Russell, destined to become the wife of Sherlock Holmes. Join them in their first adventure as they try to solve the mystery of the kidnapping of an American Senator’s daughter in Great Britain. You are welcome to join us one time or as a regular member of the group.

Bike Commuting Workshop: Looking for a little motivation and some excellent safety tips to get you commuting to work on your bicycle or simply to enjoy some peddling around the beautiful Vermont countryside? Come to this workshop conducted by Local Motion on Thursday, Aug. 21 at 7pm to get you off to a great start. Learn what gear you need – and don’t need – to stay safe and comfortable. Find out how to make sure your bike is in good shape and how to map out a route that fits with your available time and comfort level. Learn how to “read” the street and ride safe under a range of conditions. Best of all, not only will you come away with new knowledge, but also with free leg bands, bike seat covers and other resources to help you stay safe. Please register in advance. If 10 or more patrons attend, there will be an on-site raffle of a waterproof bicycle rack bag, so bring your family members & friends too!

Louise Penny Book Signing Road Trip: Louise Penny, the author of the Inspector Gamache novels set in the fictional village of Three Pines, Quebec, is a favorite of Pierson patrons. She will be signing her new book “The Long Way Home” at a pre-launch party sponsored by Brome Lake Books in Knowlton, Quebec on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 2pm. Knowlton is about a two hour drive from Shelburne, a beautiful ride on a summer’s day. We have reserved 12 seats at the book signing for our patrons & friends, and will be arranging car pools for those who need a ride. If you are interested, please sign up at the library, indicating whether you are willing to drive and take others or whether you will be a passenger. Driving directions will be provided. Because hold ups at the border are unpredictable, we suggest departing by 10:30am so you will have time for lunch before the event and will still be able to be home by dinner time.

The War to End All Wars:  World War I began 100 years ago this week. To commemorate this important event, we have a special display of fiction and nonfiction books chronicling this era. Learn about this tragic event that cost so many millions of lives and sadly was not the war to end all wars.

Shelburne Craft School Display: This month, we are featuring a special exhibit on the history of the Shelburne Craft School.  Produced by Sarah Dopp and Judy Frazer of the Chittenden County Historical Society for the 2014 Vermont History Expo on “Artists and Artisans of Vermont,” the exhibit includes historic photos and newspaper articles about the Craft School over the years.  If you are a Shelburnite who attended the school, you might see your picture on the wall and be reminded of your younger years and influential instructors; if you are a newer resident, you might like to learn more about this important institution in town.