Written by Beverly Ewart
Many of us still remember 9.11.2001 as if it just happened, and we feel those memories viscerally. Human-caused and natural disasters leave disturbing graffiti on our collective psyche.
Though we may not be able to erase the disfigurement caused by certain devastating events, there is an artistry that reclaims spaces and creates something beautiful from what was obscene. It’s the art of the helpers. Mr. Rogers put it like this, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
Each time a new disaster pops up in the news, I look for the helpers. It helps counteract the inertia of overwhelm.
This is why I so appreciate the collection of stories of helpers who gathered in the little town of Gander, Newfoundland on the day of and immediately after September 11, 2001. If you want to be encouraged by stories of human goodness, I highly recommend The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede. Check it out:
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland, by Jim DeFede. When thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to the closing of U.S. airspace, the citizens of this small community and surrounding towns were called upon to care for the thousands of distraught travelers.
Their response to this challenge was truly extraordinary. Oz Fudge, the town constable, searched all over Gander for a flight-crew member so he could give her a hug as a favor to her sister, who managed to reach him by phone. Eithne Smith, an elementary school teacher, helped the passengers sheltered at her school fax letters to loved ones all over the world. And members of a local animal protection agency crawled into the cargo holds of the jets to feed and care for all of the animals on the flights.
These stories and hundreds more are beautifully rendered in The Day the World Came to Town, the true account of a community that exemplifies love, kindness, and generosity. ~ From the Publisher
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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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Dungeons and Dragons: The Canton Free Library is running a Dungeons and Dragons campaign! This program is a beginner level program aimed at teens who are looking to learn how to play Dungeons and Dragons. Limited to ages 13-18, with no registration necessary. We will meet on the last Wednesday of each month from 4-6. Contact Zach at zwoodleywhite@ncls.org for any questions. Currently playing Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition.
Children’s Programming at the Canton Free Library:
O-17 months: Baby Storytime is for our library babies and a caregiver. We’ll share books, bounce rhymes, songs, finger plays, and lots of smiles, and then close with social/play time. Tuesdays 10:30-11:30 am. No registration is needed. Resumes Tuesday, September 15th.
18-35 months: Toddler Storytime is 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. Resumes Monday, September 14th.
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. Resumes Wednesday, September 16th.
K-2nd grade: Each month at Books and Beyond, we’ll explore a theme with books, activities, games, and art. Meets each third Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month required by the Monday before. Resumes Thursday, September 17th.
3rd-6th grade: Tween Time offers a mix of cool crafts, art exploration, games, STEAM, and book talks of popular and classic literature. Meets every fourth Thursday afternoon from 3-4 pm. Registration for each month is required by the Monday before. Resumes September 24th.
K-6th grade: Lego Club: A different challenge/theme will be given at the start of each meeting. Meets the last Monday of the month (unless that’s a holiday, whereupon the date will be announced) from 3:00-4:00pm. Registration is required by the Friday before, but it fills fast! Don’t wait! Resumes September 28th
Ages 5 and up: Arts After School: Artist Kris Rozelle will lead a different art project each month for kids aged 5 and up. Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 3-4 pm. 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! October 7th is the first class.
Questions about children’s programs? Ms. Val @ 315-386-3712 x 4 vwhite@ncls.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~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.