Programs/Events *Annual Book Sale *Book Discussion *Story Time *Picturing America

Joyce Williams

Book Discussion Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 Time: 6:30 PM Place: Library Discussion Leader: Joyce Williams "East of Eden," by John Steinbeck East of Eden, John Steinbeck's passionate and exhilarating epic, re-creates the seminal stories of Genesis through the intertwined lives of two American families. The result is a purely American saga set in Steinbeck's own childhood home, the Salinas Valley of northern California. The valley is a new world both idyllic and harsh, and Steinbeck sings to it with a personal nostalgia that is clouded by the knowledge that this valley-as all human dwellings-is the location for as much tragedy as triumph. A brilliant novel of ideas, East of Eden is far-reaching in its effort to explicate the most fundamental trials of mankind. Brutally realistic-and sometimes fatalistic-about people's ability to harm themselves and those around them, it is also a celebration of perseverance, enduring love, and the noble yearning to better oneself. And it is a work of profound optimism about the capacity of humans to triumph over adversity and determine their own fates. In prose both evanescent and dignified, Steinbeck creates in these characters and for the reader "a new love for that glittering instrument, the human soul. It is a lovely and unique thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed." If you would like to reserve a copy of this book please contact a staff member at the circulation desk

Saturday Morning Storytime 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Picturing America

Picturing America

“Great art speaks powerfully, inspires us to think new thoughts, and connects us to our past.” Picturing America, an exciting new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities, brings masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries nationwide. Through this innovative program, students and citizens gain a deeper appreciation of our country’s history and character through the study and understanding of its art. A set is currently on display through a grant won by the Bill Ellis Memorial Library. Visitors will get the chance to view 40 high-quality reproductions of notable American art on view in our public library for our community and visitors to enjoy. This grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities gives our community the opportunity to learn about our nation’s history and culture through our nation’s artistic heritage—our paintings, sculpture, architecture, fine crafts and photography.