Let’s Talk About It

Library to Host North Carolina Fiction Reading and Discussion Program The Warren County Memorial Library has been awarded a Let’s Talk About It grant to host a reading and discussion program at the library. This year’s theme, entitled Tar Heel Fiction: Stories of Home, explores a number of the elements that make Southern literature so distinctive, especially the attachment to place and abiding affinity for the land, from the coastal marshes to the mountain hollows. The stories told by these Tar Heel authors all make creative use of “home” and its effect on the characters’ lives. Without the foundation of home and family, none of these stories could take place.  For native North Carolinians, these voices are both familiar and fascinating. For those not born to these rhythms, an invitation is extended to become a part of this rich heritage. This series features five books written by North Carolina authors and provides a sampling of some of the authors who call this state home. Any community member who enjoys reading and appreciates this type of literature is encouraged to sign up for this program that is offered free to each participant. The series for 2014 will take place May 1, 15 and 29 and June 12 and 26 at the Warren County Memorial Library, 119 S. Front St., Warrenton, from noon to 1 p.m.  Feel free to bring your lunch or enjoy a light lunch provided by the library. At each session, a visiting scholar will discuss that week’s book and author in the context of the theme. Participants then have the opportunity to share their thoughts and viewpoints during a discussion lead by the scholar. The reading selections and discussion leaders chosen for this year’s series are: (May 1) Raney by Clyde Edgerton Scholar: Rebecca Godwin, Barton College (May 15) Oral History by Lee Smith Scholar: Lucinda MacKethan, NC State University (retired) (May 29) A Visitation of Spirits by Randall Kenan Scholar: Joy Salyers,  folklorist, writer, educator (June 12) Ferris Beach by Jill McCorkle Scholar: Lynn Salsi, author, teacher, playwright, historian (June 26) I am One of You Forever by Fred Chappell Scholar: Tom Douglass, East Carolina University Copies of the books are available now at the library. Let’s Talk About It is free and open to the public. For more information or to register, please call the library at (252) 257-4990. This project is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in partnership with the North Carolina Center for the Book, a program of the State Library of North Carolina. Additional support is provided by the Friends of the Warren County Memorial Library.