Spring Training @ your library

Although you may not have noticed, we have had an adult winter reading program at the Ledyard Public Libraries since 2002. I should know, because I have been coming up with "great" themes for this program since its inception. If you are new to the library or have somehow managed to miss our wonderful six week program until now, you are in luck. This year's entry, starts on February 15.

Even though I am a dedicated sports (Yankee, Giant) fan, I have avoided a sports related theme up until now. Starting on the 15th, however, it is Spring Training @ your library. Coinciding with the arrival of pitchers and catchers in Florida and Arizona, will be our own six week spring training in cold and snowy Connecticut. Every week we have a raffle drawing at each of the libraries. Entering the drawing couldn't be easier. All you have to do is drop in at either library and fill out a favorite team baseball. All the baseballs go in the jar ( I promise not to throw away any Red Sox entries) and on Saturday we draw a winner. Prizes will follow the baseball theme.

We are also going to have an exciting series of events during Spring Training @ your library. The regular third Wednesday book discussion at Bill Library will get in the act with Dirty Water by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith and Jere Smith. This first entry in a presumed series of Boston Red Sox mysteries, uses real people and places to create a great mystery read. Copies of the book will be available at the libraries.

Mark your calendars for three interesting (and at least one tasty) programs to be held on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The first will be held on February 22 at Bill Library. Dr. Lewis Randall will discuss how baseball has changed over the years. Dr. Randall is a Norwich native who was in the Cleveland Indian and Washington Senator systems.

We are very pleased to have co-author Dan Gordon discuss his book, Haunted Baseball: Ghosts, Legends & Eerie Events, on March 1 at Bill Library. Bank Square Books will be on hand to sell copies of this entertaining book. Dan, despite being a Red Sox fan, promises he will have great stories to tell for Red Sox and Yankee fans alike.

The final program of our Sunday Series will be held at the Ledyard Congregational Church fellowship hall on March 22. This location is ideal for Apple Pie and Baseball, a culinary event, presented by winter reading program veterans, Andrea Buka and Jennifer Finlayson. If you have attended their programs in the past, you know you are in for a gourmet experience. Registration is required. Call the Bill Library at 464-9912 to get on the list. This is a treat you don't want to miss.

Stay tuned for more information.