There’s an epic column of library happenings coming your way involving war zones, mystery, exploration of forbidding climates, architecture, live performance art, and comic books.

Stephen Puddicome from CBC Radio will present his illustrated lecture “Censorship in Afghanistan” featuring his own photographs taken while reporting in the war-torn country. In conjunction with this lecture, a representative from the charity organization Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, whose goals are to advance educational opportunities for Afghan women and their families, will give a talk about their group and its involvement in the fight for human rights. The talks begin at 7:00 p.m. in the New Glasgow Library program room on Thursday, February 25^th.

Also on Thursday, February 25^th in the New Glasgow program room (1:00-4:00 p.m), the Community Volunteers’ income tax return assistance sessions begins. These programs will run at the same time and place each Thursday until April 29^th; by appointment only, please register by calling our regional headquarters at 755-6031. Please bring all necessary papers and receipts for income and deductions.

Yukon’t Miss This One!

On Tuesday, March 2^nd, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the New Glasgow Library program room we will be hosting the Pictou County Naturalist Club who will welcome as their guest Leslie Klapstein. Klapstein will share her photos of her 30-day expedition to the Yukon as a participant with National Outdoor Leadership School. Anyone may attend.  

Coyotes, Take 2 

Bob Bancroft, frequent contributor to CBC Radio, was supposed to give a lecture on the coyote and its changing role in Nova Scotian wildlife a few nights back… unfortunately, we had a snowstorm on the night of the 17^th, so it got cancelled when the libraries closed due to weather. Happily, Bancroft’s talk has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 24^th, from 7-9 p.m. in the New Glasgow Library program room. All are welcome.  

Pictou County Writers Group – Open Mike Night! 

The former St. Augustine Anglican Church in Trenton is newly renovated and is now called “Trenton Artworks” – and it will be hosting an Open Mic event from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3^rd. Writers and musicians of all levels of experience are encouraged to attend and make this gathering at a new venue a success. Performers are required to register upon arrival. Doors open at 6:30, for more information please contact Steve at 755-6031.  

Last month saw the sad passing of legendary reclusive author J.D. Salinger – come check out one of Salinger’s twin definitive books about youthful alienation and rebellion, “The Catcher in the Rye” and “Franny and Zooey.” And if you like your writers secretive, we also have novels by more famous recluses, including Thomas Pynchon (“Gravity’s Rainbow,” “The Crying of Lot 49”), Harper Lee (“To Kill a Mockingbird”) and Bill Watterson (“Calvin and Hobbes”), all of whom shun the spotlight to work and live in extreme privacy. 

We also lost a giant of civil liberty activism and historical writing last month when Howard Zinn passed away. Take this opportunity to check out the graphic novel adaptation of Zinn’s most famous work, “A People’s History of American Empire,” available from PARL – just drop into any branch to place a hold, or go online at www.parl.ns.ca.

Finally, speaking of graphic novels, we have added the critically lauded 2009 comic “Asterios Polyp” to PARL’s collection. “Asterios Polyp” is the first book entirely written, drawn and coloured by comics legend David Mazzucchelli, the illustrator of some of the all-time great works in the medium including “City of Glass,” “Batman: Year One,” and “Daredevil: Born Again,” all of which are available from PARL. 

Thanks for reading! See you next time! 

Adam Noble Manager
New Glasgow and Trenton Public Libraries
Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library