Your monthly news & updates
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“When I am dead, I hope it may be said, 'His sins were scarlet, but his books were read'.”
― Hillaire Belloc
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Save the Date for Mystery Festival 2019!
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Professor Purple in the library, with a Dagger
Friday, October 4, 5 - 9 PM
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Tickets are going fast for the fourth annual Lanier Library's Cocktails and Clues event, Friday, October 4. This year's event pays homage to
Clue, the iconic murder-solving detective game introduced to the US in 1949, and promises some fun additions to the already popular scavenger hunt among the shelves with everyone working together to solve the library's haunting mystery.
“The game has sold more than150 million sets since then,” said Amber Keeran, Library Director. “In each game there are from two to six players, and each one is a detective competing to solve the murder. Over 70 years, that’s a lot of amateur detectives! Well, we know a thing or two about sleuthing here at Lanier and we are more than capable of taking our own murder solving game up a notch with a few twists. How the game will play out remains a mystery, but you can definitely count on mingling with some of the iconic characters from the game!” ( We are told Lynn Montgomery has already assembled her purple ensemble.)
“Some things you don’t fool around with though,” Keeran adds . “The Bloody Mary bar and the
killer buffet remain the same, with perhaps a tweak to the desserts. But that’s a secret hospitality chair Pam Herres will keep a mystery until October 4th. Surprises are always fun.”
You will not want to miss
this year's speaker, forensic psychologist, professor and mystery author
Rick Helms who will give us a peek into the criminal mind as well as the mind of the writer. A lifelong North Carolinian, Helms retired from active practice as a forensic psychologist in 2005, after working in the field for over two decades. At one time, he was the only court psychologist covering four counties in NC. A court-recognized expert in sex crimes and the psychology of sex offenders, mystery writing was an easy transition and a logical next step after Helms left his professional career to become a college professor in Charlotte. He retired from teaching in the summer of 2016 to become a full time writer and now counts 19 published novels to his name. He has been nominated five times for the Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award and six times for the Short Mystery Fiction Society Derringer Award. He will open the Festival with a talk and Q & A at 5 pm. Following the speaker the fun gets moving as everyone participates in a game of clues in the stacks.
All of this for $35 per person! Reservations are limited to 50 people and tickets sold out the last two years. So, don’t delay, you don’t want to miss this evening of mystery and fun…and lots of great food. And did we mention that the team that solves the murder wins prizes?
Reservations can be made at the circulation desk with cash, check or credit card, or by calling the library at 828-859-9535.
Come with an appetite (think shrimp cocktail, bourbon marinated London Broil, peach glazed pork tenderloin, au gratin potatoes, salads, Trifle...). And your thinking caps. And perhaps a costume. Join us for an evening full of clues, plot twists and fun Friday night, October 4th… in the library… with a dagger…a wrench... or a rope?
Here is a link to 10 Facts About Clue for the 70th Anniversary copied from Mental Floss website.
10 Facts About Clue
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Forensic psychologist and mystery author Rick Helms will be the keynote speaker for the 2019 Lanier Library Mystery Festival.
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HOLD THE DATE: NOVEMBER 23RD
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On November 23rd, the Lanier Library will hold the next in its series of events with Tryon-resident and New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe. The first event in the “Conversations With Mary Alice Monroe and Friends” series will feature Cassandra King Conroy. Cassandra and Mary Alice will talk about Cassandra’s latest book,
Tell Me A Story, a memoir about her life with Pat Conroy, a favorite author of many Lanier Library members. Details of the event are still being finalized, but the projected time is
4:00 to 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 23rd.
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(Note: this article is a summary of Amber Keeran’s recent talk at the Tryon Historical Museum)
Today the Lanier Library continues with the mission of providing library services as well as literary and cultural activities to its community. We truly enjoy bringing the best of the literary arts to our library to share with all – and for about the cost of two books, anyone can become a member!
We are fortunate to have a modest endowment, the idea of which was first established in 1930 by some very insightful folks. Over the years modest funds were added to the endowment with a few substantial contributions from bequests and memorials. The endowment enables the library to draw a modest, sustainable amount each year to cover the deficit in our operating budget as dues do not cover the cost of keeping the library open. In fact, member dues cover only about 25% of our operating costs. We work hard to control our expenses, but the Lanier building dates to 1905 so repairs are imminent and we are open six days a week. Staffing costs are kept to a minimum, being the equivalent o f2.5 full-time paid employees The library has raised money in some creative ways over the years to supplement dues – charging for programs, teas, or luncheons; renting out space (including the LeDuc Room); and in its early history, even renting out its donated vacuum cleaner as it was one of the only ones in town!
Being one of only 17 membership libraries in the United States, all in much larger communities, we have reason to be proud. We maintain our collection and strive to provide our members with items they request. Considering all the things the Lanier "Club" did throughout the years for this community, including literacy campaigns, health information and initiatives, and educational events of all kinds, it is a rather astounding feat for this small town.
The library is a friendly place and provides programs of interest to our community. The Lanier Library remains a main source of intellectual and cultural stimulation for this community. Thank you for your continued support!
If you were unable to make it to Amber's talk at the Tryon Historical Society on August 21st, here is a link to the full presentation.
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Plans and events for the 130th year of the
Lanier Library in 2020 are underway! We also continue to recognize new members through book spines in our glass case in the main room of the library. We are already up to 96 new memberships since this campaign began last August.
You may remember we are hoping to attain 130 new memberships by our 130th year. Do you know anyone who might enjoy membership in Tryon's oldest civic organization? Or just someone who might enjoy this beautiful old library and the services we offer? Invite them to join - or buy them a gift membership!
Help us reach 130 new memberships by our 130th anniversary year!
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Remember that the special people or events in our lives may be celebrated with beautiful Lanier Library book plates in the front of a favorite book! Recently library board treasurer Tim Boyce memorialized his and wife Tara's 41st wedding anniversary with a new copy of
The Once and Future King, Tara’s favorite book,
and a book plate.
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Here are the links to our lists of newest acquisitions and orders. Feel free to contact the library to put your name on the hold list for these books. You can call us, come in person, or log in through the catalogue on the website using your library card number. And, as always, let us know if there is a book or DVD you think would enhance the collection.
Check out Sandra's latest book display offering a sampling of books about needle arts in all its various forms.! And think about contributing to our ongoing "Members' Favorites" display scattered throughout the shelves. Give us a few sentences about a book you would like to share with others to become part of the "Favorites" team.
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Review
The Man in the Wooden Hat
Jane Gardam
I was introduced to Jane Gardam’s novels at one of the first Book Lovers meetings I attended. Since then I have read and enjoyed most all of what she has written, but above all her “Old Filth” trilogy—haunting, rich in language and good people, insight and eternal truths.
The Man in the Wooden Hat, the second book in the trilogy tells the story of a marriage from wife Betty's perspective. It is a different version from that told by her husband, Sir Edward Feathers, in the first novel. It is a story of a time in history as much as about the people affected by that period.
The only child of missionaries, Betty is traveling through Asia after spending most of World War II in a Japanese internment camp. It is in Hong Kong that she meets “Eddie”. He is a barrister of Her Majesty’s Court, handsome, wealthy, kind and devoid of any sense of romance--unlike anyone she has known before. While perhaps not a perfect match they are the perfect English couple of the ‘40s, and following their courtship and marriage is enchanting. The novel reveals the day-to-day minutiae of a marriage as well as the major events that change people and the nature of the marriage over decades. As with all great writing, we find in these characters and their stories new wisdom about our own experiences. In the end, these are people with whom I would love to have dinner. A long dinner with lots of wine and deep conversation.
For those who enjoy compelling novels about interesting people, far-off places, history and the mind and manners of the English I can’t recommend the Old Filth trilogy more highly. Introduce yourself to Eddie with
Old Filth and really get to know Betty and a different perspective on Eddie (and others) in
The Man in the Wooden Hat. In addition to two intriguing new characters in your life there is the pleasure of savoring Gardam’s magnificent writing.
Reviewed by Clare O'Sheel
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Book Lovers Club
The next meeting of Book Lovers is on
Saturday, September 7 at 10 am in the Holmes Room
. The meeting is open to all, the only requirements: a love of reading, discussing what you read and discovering new books!
Clare O'Sheel thanks those she meets at the circulation desk on Sundays and the members of Book Lovers for guiding her to books that fill her retirement with reading pleasure. One of those, Jane Gardam's
The Man in the Wooden Hat,
is reviewed above.
Here is the link to the books recommended by group members at the last meeting:
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NeedleArts @ Lanier
Saturday, September 14, 10 am
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S
pend a relaxing morning with like-minded thread artists. Whether you have taken a class at the Royal School of Needlework or are just beginning a new hobby bring any knitting, needlepoint, cross stitch or embroidery project and enjoy the company of and learn from others for a few hours the
second Saturday of each month
. It is also a great place to resurrect those unfinished projects of long-ago!
We will be exhibiting pieces stitched by members of the NeedleArts group in the display case this month. There are so many beautiful items that the group will switch out the display mid-month. So stop by at least twice in September to see what the group has accomplished.
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Nonfiction Book Club
Nonfiction Book Club
Sunday, September 15, 1:30 pm
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The September book choice is
Just Mercy
by Bryan
Stephenson. The October book choice is
Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America
by James Fallows. The November book is
Radium Girls
by Kate Moore.
The Nonfiction Book Club meets upstair
s in the Holmes Room.
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Tryon Lacemakers
September 26-28
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The Tryon Lacemakers will host a special three-day workshop with visiting Japanese lacemaker
Kumiko Nagasaki.i
As always, t
he group is more than happy to invite in visitors interested in watching how lace is made.
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In 2017, David Ahrenholz, MD, FACS, retired burn surgeon, told a full house at Lanier Library his adventures documenting butterfly biogeography and behavior as a Smithsonian Entomology Research Associate. With camera and net, his entomological travels had taken him to the Dominican Republic, Brazil twice, Peru six times, and since 2000, Ecuador 2-3 times a year.
At next the Live@Lanier program, Thursday, September 5, 6 PM, he is returning with new photos and new stories. Recently he has been focusing his camera and conservation efforts more locally.
“Butterflies of Western NC” is the latest program in Lanier’s Felburn Nature and Wildlife Collection series. Members and visitors can browse the Felburn collection downstairs in the Le Duc Room before the program. 72 Chestnut Street, Tryon NC.
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"Tell it on the Porch," coming to Lanier Library on Sptember 24 at 6 pm,will feature original music, poetry, and stories from Jim and Ceille Welch and friends Emily Spreng and Taylor Maxson.
Jim and Ceille were literary residents of Richland Library in Columbia, S.C., and presented original programs of poetry and music for appreciative audiences for more than 20 years before moving to the mountains of North Carolina. Ceille Baird Welch has won multiple awards for her poetry, plays and short stories. She will read from her award-winning play, "The Dayporch" during the Lanier performance. Jim Welch was host of numerous public television series and specials and was co-host of the NatureScience programs with naturalist Rudy Mancke on PBS.
Emily Spreng is a songwriter and singer and plays multiple instruments and began playing cello at a young age. She is currently writing and performing in the indie/folk/Americana genre with Taylor Maxson, an accomplished guitarist/vocalist and songwriter.
Join us for an evening as comfortable and entertaining as a warm night with friends on a firefly lit summer porch.
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Young and old alike came to meet (up close) some of the resident animal ambassadors for Chimney Rock State Park. While learning about the wildlife that roams our region participants learned about habits, adaptations and animal characteristics during the informative and fun session. The program was the last in the Lanier Library's Summer Family Programs which was made possible with the support of the Kirby Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation.
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One of the favorite ambassadors was the slow and steady little Box Turtle.
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Nobody got too close to the skunk!
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Agility Training With Annette Alfonso
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Professional agility trainer Annette Alfonso, drew a large crowd for her talk about her profession and love of dogs. She recently returned from the Netherlands where she served as Assistant Coach for the AKC European Open Team USA. Though her beautiful (and very attentive) pupils didn't have the space to perform, all who attended couldn't help but be impressed by their absolutely perfect library behavior.
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Lanier Greeter Dog Nick with new friend Fiona McKee, who came in to help her grandmother, Clare O'Sheel at the Sunday circulation desk.
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Lynn Montgomery's granddaughter, Lizzie renewed her acquaintance with Nick, who loves a good cuddle on a Sunday afternoon.
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Nick with library member Ellie Baughman, who came in with her mom, dad, brother and sister to choose some books to read on a hot summer afternoon. Petting our Greeter Dog and getting a piece of chocolate adds magic to the Lanier Library experience!
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Emma Rose Selbee with her friend Sven, the Great Pyrenees.
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We welcome well-behaved dogs, and while the staff all love dogs, not everyone who comes into the library does, so we appreciate all pets being on a leash.
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The Lanier Library NeedleArts group has been meeting monthly at the library for almost a year. New friendships have been forged and beautiful work has been created. We are pleased to offer the display case to members of the group this month so that we might see what happens when different needles meet different threads and creativity takes over.
Although people come in and out of the group four women have been constant, and it is their work that is on display.
Sharon Goettert is a proficient knitter and crocheter, and has won several first prizes at the Minnesota State Fair. Her crocheted Baptismal gown with hat and booties, which will be on display September 1-15 and her Nordic sweater, which will be on display September 15-30 should not be missed!
Clare O'Sheel has enjoyed needlepoint for years but returned to quilting after retirement and expanded into embroidery this past year. She is most proud of her needlepoint Santa, which will be exhibited beginning September 15.
Beth Rounds is an avid knitter, crocheter and embroiderer, but this year explored and experimented with needle felting and wool applique. She also has needlepoint work on display. Pride of place in the display is given to her needle felted Arizona landscape and a wool applique table runner, which will be on display September 15-30.
Inglis Sellick lived in France for many years and took advantage of needlework classes there and elsewhere in Europe. She is a member of the Embroiderer's Guild of America and has won several prizes for her embroidery and needlepoint work. She designs and sews many of her own clothes and her silk bolero jacket with embroidered and beaded flowers is a centerpiece in the first half of the exhibit.
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Due to the large variety of work and the space it requires to display properly the exhibit will change out mid-month. Stop by
September 1-14 to see the flowers and more delicate pieces, and from
September 15-30 for the wools and Christmas needlework.
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Wonderful Wizard of Oz chess set
Antique chess set based on the Indian epic, The Ramayana, written in the 5th century.
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One of our most interesting displays was the exhibit of three chess sets from the collection of Eileen Ball Mehta. The sets are antique with their pieces representing characters from 5th, 17th and 20th century literary masterpieces.
Thank you, Eileen, for sharing your treasures!
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Odds & Ends
The Holmes Room
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The Holmes Room is the place to go not only for the best in mystery fiction, it is also home to our growing large print and YA collection, and a good place to sort out complex issues or just a puzzle.
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The Nonfiction Book Club enjoys the ambience of the Holmes Room, while they discuss the latest in nonfiction. All are welcome to join and participate in some deep and interesting discussions and that relate to the world in which we live.
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Kate Fiore with daughters Isla and Fiona enjoy doing puzzles in the Holmes Room on a Sunday afternoon. The family was in town from Virginia visiting Nana Clare O'Sheel.
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Lanier Library | 828-859-9535| thelanierlibrary@gmail.com
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