Library Connection: 'The Pond' dives into local history

Published Date

Lakes and mountains are part of our local landscape. We tend to think the landscape we inhabit has existed forever. On Tuesday, July 24 at 7 p.m. the Conway Public Library invites the public to a program that dispels this illusion. "The Pond" is the work of three neighbors: Connie Brown, Brian Fowler, and Lee Pollock. The book covers the history of Great Pea Porridge Pond from the Ice Age to 1951. These long-time residents of Pea Porridge collaborated on the meticulously researched science and history as well as fascinating anecdotes. How and when did the pond form? When did the first natives settle there? Who lived and worked on its shores? Hear about the Madison Hills Paleoecology Project (MPEP). Learn the science and history of this location and all the wonders it offers from geologist Brian Fowler, aquatic ecologist Lee Pollock and author Connie Brown. The Conway Public Library is pleased to offer this free presentation to the public Refreshments will be served.

Blast off!

On Wednesday, July 25, at 4 and 5 p.m., the Conway Public Library continues its summer series of special guest programs. This week it's "Rockets: There and Back Again" with the Boston Museum of Science. Participants create their own air rocket to launch across the room. Then, the job is to engineer a payload's safe return to Earth. Children learn the science behind rockets and space exploration, using their imaginations to plan, build, and test their original designs. The age limit is six and older. Children ten and under must be accompanied by an adult throughout this workshop. Anyone allergic to latex should not participate. Please register in advance by stopping by or calling the library at 447-5552. Space is limited! Each workshop runs approximately 50 minutes and is free and open to the public, thanks to partial funding from the Friends of the Conway Public Library. Refreshments will be served. Special guest programs run every Wednesday at 4 p.m. through Aug. 15 in conjunction with the library's summer reading program "Dream Big – Read!"

Coming up

Thursday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m. — PWR (People Who Read) discuss the books of Robert Cormier – your choice. Refreshments served. Older teens and adults, only.

Tuesday, July 24, at 7 p.m. — "The Pond" with Connie Brown, Lee Pollock and Brian Fowler traces the ecology, science, and history of Great Pea Porridge Pond in Madison.

Wednesday, July 25, at 10:30 a.m. — Summer story time for wee ones 3 and under. Guests and older siblings welcome. Sessions run through Aug. 15.

Wednesday, July 25, at 4 p.m. — "Rockets: There and Back Again" a hands-on workshop with the Boston Museum of Science for age 6 and older.

Annual summer book sale and raffle coming up Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Conway Public Library's hours are Monday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday noon to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 447-5552 or visit www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.