By Beverly Ewart
Skylark by Paula McLain
Harrowing and dark and hopeful at the same time, I could not put this beautiful book down. The story highlights the price of freedom, the courage to pay it, and the risks involved in pursuing it. It was uncanny in the way it seemed to echo the headlines of the day as I read far into the night, even though the novel is set in the Paris of the mid-17th century and the Paris of WWII.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book: “For the longest time, she’d been reaching for freedom. And yet only now was she beginning to understand that you couldn’t possess it. Freedom was something you practiced, exercising it like a muscle.” Paula McLain – Skylark, p. 438
Something to ponder, for sure.
Here is what the publisher has to say about it:
Skylark: A Novel by Paula McLain. 1664. Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works, who secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, Alouette’s efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated. But within its grim walls, she discovers a small group of brave allies, and the possibility of a life bigger than she ever imagined. 1939. Kristof Larson is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris, whose neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival, even as his work as a doctor is jeopardized.
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Friends Winterfest Raffle! The Friends of Canton Free Library will celebrate Winterfest with a raffle for a large basket of various items from local businesses and individuals. The basket overflows with beautiful handmade crafts, items from Adirondack Fragrance Farm and St. Lawrence Valley Roasters, children’s games and clothing, and local business coupons. View the basket of items and purchase your tickets at the front desk of CFL during Winterfest, February 6–15, 2026. Tickets are $5 for one ticket or $20 for five tickets, and the drawing will be on Feb. 18th.
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Kick-off event for NoCo Seed Library
Together with the Canton Free Library, Master Gardener Volunteers from CCE are planning a free event called “Swap it – Seed it,” a seed exchange and seed starting demonstration. This event will draw attention to the new NoCo Seed Library which will be located within the Canton Free Library. Available year round, the NoCo Seed Library will house free seeds and information for gardeners. Whether you are excited to grow some new varieties, or you’re simply looking for some reliable green beans and cucumbers this summer, come join us for the “Swap it – Seed it” seed exchange on Saturday, February 21 from 10:30-11:30am at the Canton Free Library. A diversity of seeds – whether heirloom, organic, commercial, or locally saved – will be available at the event and beyond. Seed donations are welcomed but not required, and refreshments will be provided. Whether your goal is a beautiful landscape, a new learning opportunity, increased food security, or an activity to do with youth, growing your own plants has many benefits, and CCE Master Gardener Volunteers are ready to support you along the way. Email Erica at ENL2@cornell.edu with questions.
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CFL will be closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16, 2026.
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Chess Club at CFL meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3–4. Tuesday is free play with Ryan Nolan and designed for those that have some experience.
Thursday’s weekly session is with Zachary Woodley-White and is designed for beginners who would like to learn how to play. We offer rudimentary instruction and a judgement free space for younger players to establish and build on their fundamentals. No registration needed, ages 12 and below. Questions? Contact Zach at zwoodleywhite@ncls.org
Grab a board, find a friend, and start a game at any open table in the Main Reading Room. Other board games are available or bring your own.
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TEEN ANIME meets on Thursdays from 5-7pm.
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Children’s Programming at the Canton Free Library:
O-17 months: Baby Storytime is for our library babies and their caregivers. We’ll share books, bounce rhymes, songs, finger plays, lots of smiles, and then close with social/play time. Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 am. No registration is needed.
18-35 months: Toddler Storytime for children and their caregivers. We’ll share books, rhymes, music, movement, and lots more early literacy fun! Mondays 10:30-11:00 am. No registration is necessary during the school year.
3-5 years: Preschool Storytime is for children and their caregivers. Stories, songs, movement, crafts, friends, and lots of fun! Wednesdays 10:30-11:15 am. No registration is needed during the school year.
K-2nd grade: Each month at Books and Beyond, we’ll explore themes with books, activities, games, and art. Books and Beyond meets February 19 from 3-4 pm. Registration for is required by February 16.
3rd-6th grade: Tween Time offers a mix of cool crafts, art exploration, games, STEAM, and book talks of popular and classic literature. Tween Time meets on February 26th from 3-4 pm. Registration for is required by February 23.
K-6th grade: Lego Club: A different challenge/theme will be given at the start of each meeting. Lego Club meets on February 23 from 3:00-4:00pm. Registration is required by February 20, but it fills fast! Don’t wait!
Ages 5-up: Arts After School: March 4, 3-4pm. Artist Kris Rozelle will lead a different art project each month for kids 5 and up. Arts After School is free, but registration is needed for each class. Since class size is limited, please let us know if your registered child cannot attend so another child may have their spot. Thanks!
Battle of the Books: The 2026 list for the NCLS Battle of the Books for children in grades 4-6 is out! It may be found on our website, our Facebook page, or you may pick up a copy in the children’s room at the library.
For questions or registration, email Ms. Val at vwhite@ncls.org or
call 315-386-3712 ext. 4
Programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Canton Free Library and the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau.
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MORLEY BRANCH is open Tuesday 1pm-3pm; Wednesday 4pm-6pm; Thursday 10am-12pm. Call for more information: (315) 379-0066.
RENSSELAER FALLS BRANCH is open on Tuesdays from 11am – 5pm. Call the library at (315) 344-4155 for more information.
CANTON BRANCH is open 9am-6pm Monday – Friday; 10am-3pm Saturday. Contact us at (315) 386-3712 or cantonfreelibrary.org.