Your monthly news & updates |
|
Annual Meeting Sept. 20, 4:30 pm |
|
Mark your calendar for our 2020 Annual Program to be held via Facebook on Sunday, September 20 at 4:30 pm. Our featured guest will be internationally-acclaimed Tryon journalist, author and Churchill expert Paul Reid, who will explore "What Winston Churchill's Reaction Would be to Today's World Events".
Paul's publisher, Little-Brown, includes the following in his bio: In the early 1990's, Reid began writing political commentary for local Massachusetts newspapers, which led to a regular op-ed column at the Boston Globe. As a freelance writer he covered the Yugoslav civil war, narco-terrorism in Colombia, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He graduated from Harvard University Extension School in 1990 with a bachelor of Liberal Arts cum laude. In 1996 Reid joined The Palm Beach Post, a Cox newspaper, as a features writer. Reid was named 1998 Cox Newspapers writer of the year and won the 1998 Paul Hansell award, given by the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors, for reporting and writing. In 2003 he was embedded with United States Marines at the start of the Iraq War.
In 2004 he left the Post to complete THE LAST LION: Defender of the Realm, which was the long-awaited third volume of William Manchester's acclaimed biography of Winston Churchill. Manchester, ill and unable to write, entrusted Paul with the task. The book spent ten weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and was named one of the best books of the year by The Wall Street Journal and by several other media and publishing platforms. Paul has appeared on C-Span, the Diane Rhem Show, Morning Joe, and Face the Nation. In 2015 he was named a Churchill Fellow at Westminster College, where in 1946 Winston Churchill gave his "Iron Curtain Speech."
Join us on Facebook on Sunday, September 20, 4:30 pm for what promises to be a stimulating and unforgettable program. We are grateful to the Polk County Community Foundation's Kirby Lanier Library Innovative Events Fund for the funds to support this program, which is free and open to all in the community.
|
|
Board Welcomes Laura Peek |
|
It is with great pleasure that the library board welcomes Tryon resident Laura Peek to the position of membership chair. Laura has been a resident of Polk County for 10 years, a realtor for the past 17 years, and has served as a volunteer with the Tuesday School board, Pacolet Junior Appalachian Musicians (PacJAM), Polk Country Democratic executive committee and the Girl Scouts of America. She home-schools her two daughters, Meredith (14) and Ellizabeth (6) and considers the library a rich resource in their education, and “a second home.”
“We especially love the Felburn Nature Library,” she says, adding that Lanier’s collection overall is the best she has found anywhere. “I have never checked out a bad book from this collection, it is so well curated.”
Laura’s enthusiasm for the library is fueling her membership goal of 1,000. “It’s a big number (essentially doubling current membership), but think about how many people live in the area. If we maintain our current membership level and attract new families, we can do it.
“This is the most wonderful place in the world,” she says. There’s a collection that offers a wide selection for every reader. The programs offer a fantastic assortment of educational topics, from the academic to the fun. And it’s a social place where you can explore a number of clubs—Book Lovers to NeedleArts—chat with friends and neighbors, even bring your dog.”
There’s the history of being Polk County’s oldest community organization as well, and Laura’s favorite part of that…”it was founded by women.”
Over the summer Laura challenged her six-year old daughter Elizabeth to read 100 books, and she is only a book or two away from her goal. Meredith's challenge included reading assigned books and writing five papers. Laura has obviously instilled in her daughters a love of reading and of our library. We think that if she can do the same with the membership she hopes to recruit, she may very well top 1,000.
|
|
Once again we are grateful to the Polk County Community Foundation for a Kirby Lanier Library Innovative Events Fund to support the library's educational programming. The allotted funds will enable us to upgrade our computer capabilities to better provide virtual programming during this time of COVID-19.
'The flexibility and generosity of the Foundation are greatly appreciated as we work together to keep our community engaged and connected through our educational programs,' said Jenny Purtill, Lanier Library executive director.
|
|
Tryon is a small town with a bit of everything, and that makes us pretty special. We have the arts, an historic library, restaurants and shopping in abundance. But during a pandemic many of us have had to find new ways of performing normal activities: taking advantage of the Metropolitan Opera’s free online streaming instead of attending concerts; zooming family celebrations without the hugging; and shopping online for a myriad of products from birdseed to embroidery threads, to exotic baking ingredients and craft supplies, things that warranted, in safer times, a trip to Hendersonville, Spartanburg or beyond.
If you have used Amazon Prime for any of these types of purchases, we want you to know that if you click on AmazonSmile before ordering, 0.5% of your purchase will be donated to the charity of your choice. We hope that might be Lanier Library.
|
|
It may seem like pennies, but as we all know, pennies add up, and every little bit helps. So the next time you need to order something not readily available in town, Smile and we will too.
Here is the link to AmazonSmile:
|
|
|
|
Membership Renewal a Click Away |
|
Great Books Literary Challenge |
|
The Great Books Challenge has begun! We see many of the titles on the list leaving the library these days, and have already received some completed forms. During the next four months we invite you to read 10 books from one category or across all five: 21st Century Pulitzer Prize Fiction Challenge; Classic Fiction Challenge; Children's Classics Challenge; Caldecott Award Challenge (for children 10 and under) or Top Ten Non-fiction Books Challenge. When you finish your ten and submit your completed form, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to Tryon Fine Books.
Pick up the Challenge form at the front desk or click here to print a copy: Lanier Library 2020 Great Books Challenge. Submit your list of completed books at the circulation desk to enter your name in the drawing.
|
|
During the yearlong commemoration of its 130th anniversary, Lanier Library celebrates members in this monthly column. The profiles here will introduce you to community members who carry the Lanier card, continuing a cultural tradition begun in 1890.
|
|
Celebrating Lanier Members
Izzy and Dave Rice
|
Izzy and Dave Rice have many memories of their years as members of Lanier Library.
“Dave and I heard good things about Lanier Library when we retired here from Michigan in the early 1990s,” says Izzy. “First time we stopped in, there was a feeling of coming into a home.”
Dave and Izzy joined together and he remembers, “We just blended with the people. And here right in the heart of town, it was convenient.”
“I really enjoyed my years on the book selection committee,” adds Izzy. “There were also all the lively meetings of the Great Books Club. Dave went with me the first time when all of us were to read “Gilgamesh”. He didn’t come to any more club meetings after that but got really involved in the library.”
“In the early 90s, I was Building and Grounds chair on the Board,” recalls Dave. “I learned that squirrels in the attic were my responsibility.” A tall ladder got him to the access panel in the ceiling at the end of today’s DVD aisle where he climbed into the little known space overhead and repelled the invasion. “Not my favorite place by any means.”
|
|
Today, his favorite place is the periodicals room. For Izzy, her place is the main room with the new releases. She tries to read whatever Lee Cudlip, current New Acquisitions chair on the Board, recommends. Dave has a preference for Baldacci thrillers. They both praise the annual holidays party and each can name more programs that struck their individual fancies. First to mind for Dave is Olin Sansbury’s program on the U.S. Presidents. Izzy really liked Peter Franklin and his Olympic Torches.
“Lanier is different than any library I had ever been in,” concludes Izzy.
|
|
Here are the links to our lists of book orders and newest acquisitions. Feel free to contact the library to put your name on the hold list for these books. You can call us or log in through the catalogue on the website using your library card number for PIN. And, as always, let us know if there is a book or DVD you think would enhance the collection.
Book Lovers club will begin Zoom meetings on September 5th at 10 am, hosted by Lee Cudlip and Clare O'Sheel. If you would like to join the monthly discussion, let us know by emailing the library (thelanierlibrary@gmail.com) and we will send you the Zoom invitation to the meeting. All are welcome--the more the merrier! In the meantime, here is the list of August recommendations from the group.
|
|
Reviews
The Answer is...Reflections on My Life
Alex Trebek
For any fan of the long-running TV hit Jeopardy, this book is a must read.
Mr. Trebek admits to being a reluctant biographer, only agreeing to pen this book "to set the record straight". His ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer gets little script, although one senses a kind of inner peace with what is likely to be his fate.
In the often humorous and self-deprecating fashion Mr. Trebek recounts his early years growing up in Canada, and the long journey to fame hosting one game show after another until achieving undeniable success with Jeopardy.
These are short chapters, vignettes if you will, that highlight the ups and downs of a life well-lived. Husband, father and friend, Mr. Trebek comes off more like your next door neighbor than the popular icon he has become.
I read The Answer is... in one sitting and found it to be both entertaining as well as informative. You may even want to purchase a copy in the future. All the proceeds earned are being donated to charity by Mr. Trebek.
Here's hoping for a continued run for Jeopardy with Trebek still at the helm.
Review by Marjorie Cooper
|
|
One of our favorite new books in the collection is Drinking with Chickens by Kate Richards. It was, in fact, part of the inspiration behind one of our fun new program ideas, "Libations @ Lanier", where library executive director Jenny Purtill reveals through tours and history what makes Lanier Library unique, one room at a time. In September she will explore "the quietest room in the library" while you sip this month's cocktail. She will host three more such programs this year and is promising more such socially distant but convivial programs as well.
Join Jenny on Friday, September 25 at 6 pm for a tour of the LeDuc Room while sipping a yummy Summer Bourbon Smash made with fresh end-of-summer fruits and herbs. The recipe is included here so you will be all set to toast our first Libations @ Lanier, and perhaps practice your cocktail skills beforehand....
|
|
Summer Bourbon Smash
1 oz nectarine-blueberry puree*
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz honey syrup**
2 oz bourbon
2 oz seltzer or to top
Garnish: slice of nectarine + blueberries and a flowering basil sprig.
In the bottom of your glass, combine the nectarine-blueberry puree, lemon juice and honey syrup. Give the mixture a quick stir, then fill your glass with crushed ice. Add bourbon, stir again and top with seltzer. Garnish with nectarine slices, blueberries and rosemary sprig.
*Nectarine-Blueberry Puree
1/2 cup nectarines, pitted and chopped in chunks (skins included)
12 blueberries
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz honey
Place all in a blender and puree until liquified and smooth.
**Honey Syrup
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup water
Combine honey and water in a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring just to a boil so that honey thoroughly dissolves.
Remove from heat and allow to thoroughly cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator fro up to 2 weeks.
|
|
While you sip and learn, hospitality chair Jane Armstrong thinks a snack might be in order, and offers this recipe for a bourbon-friendly appetizer. While programming remains in the virtual realm and likewise hospitality, Jane thinks sharing recipes and eating them together during Jenny's programs might be another way to stay connected.
Mini Cheese Ball Bites
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup (about 3 ounces) blue cheese crumbles
3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups pecans
Pretzel sticks
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, blue cheese, and dried cranberries until smooth. Dampen hands to prevent sticking and form cream cheese mixture into approximately 24 tablespoon-sized balls. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or until firm.
In the meantime, toast the pecans by spreading out on a sheet pan and baking in a preheated 350°F oven until lightly toasted and fragrant, for 7 to 10 minutes. Allow pecans to cool and finely chop them.
Roll chilled cheese balls in chopped pecans, pressing nuts so that they adhere. Keep cheese balls refrigerated until ready to serve. Just before serving, skewer each cheese ball with a pretzel stick.
You can make the cheese balls ahead of time, but don't insert the pretzels until just before serving or they will become soggy.
From Samatha Skaggs, FIVEheart Home blog - https://www.fivehearthome.com/
|
|
Due to the limiting of gatherings to 10 people or less during Phase 2 of Governor Cooper's reopening plan we will continue to offer online programs for the forseeable future. |
|
For everything you need to know about the history of the Tryon International Film Festival and what to expect this year, make your reservation to join us on Zoom, Tuesday, September 15 at noon by going to : TRIFF reservation link
To prepare yourself for this exciting program, here is the link to a 2015 UNC-TV program about the inaugural Festival: UNC-TV/TRIFF link
|
|
Everything You Need to Know about the Tryon International Film Festival
Tuesday, September 15, noon
The Tryon International Film Festival (TRIFF) will present its sixth season, October 9, 10 and 11. Join us on Zoom at noon, Tuesday, September 15 when Festival founders and producers Beau Menetre and Kirk Gollwitzer present all you need to know about this event that attracts film makers and film buffs from around the world.
"The upcoming edition of the festival will feature live and digital screenings with up to 60 films which can be enjoyed anywhere in the world," says Menetre.
Learn why Tryon is a great environment for a film festival, how it sets itself apart from other film festivals around the world, and what it means to call yourself an International Film Festival.
Menetre and Gottweiler will also talk about their recent trip to Gstaad Switzerland promoting the Festival while forging a Sister City relationship with Gstaad and assisting in the development of the Inaugural Gstaad Human Rights Film Festival/International Children's Film Festival in Paris.
While the bulk of films will be presented online, Gollwitzer tells us "the town will still be alive with activity including an outdoor gala, Saturday evening premier, music, food and fun."
|
|
Last Month's Online Program |
Thank you to Olin Sansbury for his Thursday, August 27 presentation on the Electoral College. The former University of South Carolina at Spartanburg Chancellor enlightened a Zoom audience of more than 50 people about how the often-maligned institution works and why it is still a vital part of our democracy.
|
|
|
Lanier Library welcomes all library-friendly dogs, but asks that they remain on leash at all times. |
|
Sunday afternoon meet and greet with Steve Aldred, Bill Latham (out of frame), Tyson and Lanier Greeter Dog Nick. Steve and Bill were sharing the benefits of a Lanier membership with a new Tryon resident, and we can't help but think that the relaxed dog-friendly atmosphere of the periodical room also helped persuade our newest member to join. Welcome Christine de Michele! |
|
What do bobbins, pillows, shuttles, cross/twist and picots have in common? These are the tools for two different forms of lacemaking, which you will see in our September display case created by Jane Armstrong for the Tryon Lacemakers.
The Tryon Lacemakers have gathered in this area for almost seven years, begun by Jane following her retirement and move to Tryon. Jane has been dabbling in bobbin lacemaking, teaching tatting, and organizing workshops in both Chapel Hill and here for the last 26 years. Her fellow lacemakers include: Barbara LaFemina and Sandra Maier, who have attended lacemaking courses in Belgium, France, England and Germany; Nora Worthen who "laces" with her husband's handmade bobbins; and Carlson Tuttle, the only male in the group, who travels every spring and fall from Belize to lace with them.
Prior to the pandemic, the group met monthly in the LeDuc Room where library members were invited to visit. In addition, at least twice a year the group has hosted bobbin lace designers from California and Japan. The three-day workshops featuring these designers were attended by lacemakers from Virginia, North and South Carolina, New York and Belize eager to learn the techniques for the specialized designs of Milanese and Binche lacemaking.
|
|
From left to right: Barbara LaFemina, Nora, Worthen, Jane Armstrong and Carlson Tuttle.
|
Design by Kumiko Nakazaki and completed by Barbara LaFemina |
|
As soon as we are all able to gather again, Jane will offer classes in bobbin lace and tatting for anyone interested in learning. |
|
Sandra's September Shelf Display complements the Tryon Lacemakers display with a selection of books designed to tempt you to discover a new hobby. "Indulge a New Passion" will offer a variety of books from baking to watercolor painting, and, as always, Sandra's displays are designed to be dismantled by interested readers. Come in and discover a new creative outlet. |
|
Thank you to Eileen Mehta for her stunning August display of chess sets that allowed us to travel vicariously to exotic literary locations! |
|
The "musings" found in the back pockets of returned books continue to arrive from a variety of members. Sandra has left some in the books for more to discover, and perhaps join in the game. We share here our latest musings and hope they bring a smile to your day.
|
|
|
|
AUGUST MUSINGS
I started out with nothing and I still have most of it.
Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
Pete Seeger-American folk singer
If you live in a small town, when you don't know what you're doing, someone else does.
|
|
|
Lanier Library | 828-859-9535| thelanierlibrary@gmail.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
