May Book Group
Second Wednesday of the Month
6:30-7:30 PM
Everyone Welcome!
For more information, contact Suzy Colt.
Demon Copperhead is a 2022 novel by Barbara Kingsolver. It was a co-recipient of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and won the 2023 Women's Prize for Fiction. Kingsolver was inspired by the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield.
Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father's good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. In a plot that never pauses for breath, relayed in his own unsparing voice, he braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities.
Many generations ago, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield from his experience as a survivor of institutional poverty and its damages to children in his society. Those problems have yet to be solved in ours. Dickens is not a prerequisite for readers of this novel, but he provided its inspiration. In transposing a Victorian epic novel to the contemporary American South, Barbara Kingsolver enlists Dickens' anger and compassion, and above all, his faith in the transformative powers of a good story. Demon Copperhead speaks for a new generation of lost boys, and all those born into beautiful, cursed places they can't imagine leaving behind.
Upcoming Programs
NH Fish and Game: THE SURVIVAL STORY OF MOOSE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
by NH Fish and Wildlife steward Jack Varin
Saturday, May 10th
1:30 PM
For adults & teens
Sign-up Requested: https://forms.gle/5B9mHESJu2vGki2D8
You're invited to join us as a New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife Steward shares information about moose in the state. Learn about the natural history of moose, where they are most likely to be found in the state, and about how climate change is impacting their survival in New Hampshire. You'll learn that moose are skilled swimmers, how parasites decrease moose survival, what their current population numbers are in the state, and what you can do to help the largest member of the deer family. New Hampshire Fish and Game is working to better understand the issues facing moose and developing strategies to save this large icon of the New Hampshire north. Also, hear about the amazing federal funding mechanism that supports long-term research and is largely responsible for our country's abundant fish and wildlife.
HEALTHY SCIENCE
Thursdays, May 8, 15, & 22
3-4 PM
For children ages 4+
Sign-up Required: https://forms.gle/3eXn14Pps6fB2xMY6
Come explore the science of being HEALTHY! This may sound a bit boring, but it will be a fun-packed introduction to the science of cleanliness and good health through experiments, explorations, stories, and discussions. What is the best way to clean the plaque off our teeth and why do we want to do that? What are the ingredients in toothpaste, and what do they do? Why do we wash our hands, bodies, and hair? How does soap get rid of germs? What is going on inside our gut and how do the foods we eat nourish and fuel our bodies?
WAIT UNTIL 8th with Heather Buteau
Saturday, May 17th
10-11 AM
For adults Child care provided for those who request it - (This will be organized by Heather)
Sign-up Requested: https://forms.gle/DTCBnRgRGqyhAkCbA
Parents, caregivers and community members are invited to a morning focused on raising happier, healthier kids by delaying smartphone access and encouraging independent play. We’ll look at resources such as the Wait Until 8th movement and talk about strategies mentioned in The Anxious Generation and Free-Range Kids. Come ready to connect and leave with actionable steps to create change at home and in the community.
For those who will be bringing children, we request registration by May 10th to help us prepare.
CIVICS EDUCATION with Caleb Murphy
May Topic: Organizing at the Community Level
Thursday, May 22nd
6:30-7:30 PM
Open to adults & teens
Sign-up Requested: https://forms.gle/DPCrNr8qwPWJ3MdL7
Caleb Murphy, a CIVICS teacher at White Mountain Regional High School, will lead monthly discussions around CIVICS centered topics, such as Civil Discourse, Access to State Government Resources, Legal Cases that Lead to Constitutional Amendments, etc. These topics may be inspired by participant interests, current affairs, or Civics Basics.
Whitefield’s Official Library Friends (WOLF) is a 501(c)(3)
Your support will enable Whitefield Public Library to further provide a variety of beneficial programs and resources for the community of Whitefield, New Hampshire.