Adult Services | Lower Providence Community Library

Welcome to the Adult Services page of the Lower Providence Community Library website. Find upcoming Programs & Events, check out our Resources for Readers, and send us your recommendations for books, DVDs, and other materials you would like to have in the library. Also, please let us know if you have any ideas for programming. We would love to hear from you!

To register for programs, email Barbara Loewengart or call the library at 610-666-6640 for the Circulation Desk.

Adult Yoga

Yoga taught by certified yoga instructor Kamini Patel via Zoom. Class times are as follows:

Monday @ 4:00 pm
Tuesday @ 7:30 pm
Wednesday @ 12 noon
Friday @ 12 noon

Zoom ID 6568878396
Password 000816

Chair Yoga for Adults

Chair yoga (gentle yoga for people with less mobility) taught by certified yoga instructor Kamini Patel via Zoom on Tuesdays at 2:00 pm and Thursdays at 4:00 pm.

Zoom ID 6568878396
Password 000816

In-Person Chair Yoga and Yoga for Adults

Taught in-person by certified yoga instructor Helen Mitchell.
Wednesday evenings. THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES HELD ON DECEMBER 29.
All participants must wear a mask .

Chair Yoga – Wednesday, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – No class on 11/24
This class is ideal for those who have limited range of motion AND anyone who would like to try yoga poses with modifications that allow you to get the benefits of a pose while sitting in any chair. Cost:$5.00

All Levels/Gentle Yoga – Wednesday, 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM – No class on 11/24
This class is appropriate for all levels of practice and designed to allow you to clear your mind while moving, stretching, and strengthening your body. Bring your own yoga mat. Cost:$5.00

Meditation Sessions

Experience the many benefits of meditation. Meets Monday evenings via Zoom at 7:00 pm. Taught by Roger Shaughnessy, YT-200. Please contact Roger directly via email with the subject line “Monday Night Meditation” at rvshaughnessy@yahoo.com

Please join us for FREE meditation sessions. Open to all levels. Bring your active mind and wear comfortable clothing.

Evening Book Discussion Group

On Wednesday, December 15 at 6:30 pm we will be discussing The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Please email Library Director Marija Skoog at mlskoog@mclinc.org to register. All are welcome!

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.

When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.

Built on the groundwork of the Iliad, Madeline Miller’s page-turning, profoundly moving, and blisteringly paced retelling of the epic Trojan War marks the launch of a dazzling career. (From the publisher.)

Book Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions:

1. In the Iliad, Patroclus is a relatively minor character. Why do you think the author chose him to be her narrator? Which other figures in the story might make interesting narrators?

2. Near the beginning of their friendship, Achilles tells his father that he values Patroclus because “he is surprising.” What do you think Achilles means by that? How is Patroclus different from the other foster boys? Why?

3. What do you think are the reasons behind Thetis’ opposition to Patroclus?

4. How do the boys change during their time with Chiron? Do the centaur’s lessons continue to be a guiding force in their lives?

5. On the island of Scyros, what motivates Deidameia’s desire to speak to Patroclus alone? What does she hope to achieve?

6. To what extent does Achilles’ ultimate destiny shape his choices? Is there such a thing as free will in this world?

7. Historical events can sometimes turn upon the will or personality of a single person. Aside from Achilles, are there other characters whose faults or virtues significantly affect the Trojan War’s outcome?

8. Myths are often called “timeless” for their insights into human behavior. What parallels do you see between the characters and conflicts of this novel and today? What pieces of Patroclus and Achilles’ story can be universalized?

9. What is the significance of song and music in the novel?

10. Patroclus is often a self-critical narrator. Consider how other characters in the novel regard him—do they see him in the same way he sees himself?

11. As represented in the novel, what are some of Odysseus’ defining qualities? Do you find him a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

12. Consider the explosive falling out between Achilles and Agamemnon. In what ways are each of them at fault for the rift? Could it have been avoided, or was it inevitable given that Achilles’s fate is determined?

13. Achilles and Briseis each claim Patroclus’ loyalty and affection. In what ways are they similar or different? What are the dynamics of each of their relationships with Patroclus?

14. What does the encounter between Priam and Achilles reveal about Achilles? Why do you think Achilles grants his request?

15. Near the end of the book, Odysseus comes to speak to Pyrrhus on Patroclus’ behalf. Why do you think he does this? How did it change (or not) your opinion of Odysseus?

16. Peleus warns his son that any mortal who visits the sea-nymphs in their caves beneath the sea does not return the same. How is this belief borne out by the character of Pyrrhus, who was raised there? In what way does Pyrrhus confirm or deny Patroclus’ fears about the gods?

17. In the final pages of the book, we learn more about Thetis. How does this affect our view of her?

18. Patroclus tells Thetis that he is “made of memories.” What does he mean by that? What role does memory—both personal and cultural—play in the novel?
(Questions issued by publisher.)

Evening Book Discussion List

Evening Book Discussion List 2020 – 2021

September – The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
October – Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe
November – The Keepers of the House by Shirley Ann Grau.
December – Trust Exercise by Susan Choi
January – Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson
February – The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
March – Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
April – The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
May – A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
June – A Thousand Moons by Sebastian Barry
July – Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
August – Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
September – Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
October – We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry
November – The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
December – Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Afternoon Book Discussion Group

On Tuesday, December 21 at 12:30 pm, we will be discussing The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. Please email Reference librarian Barbara Loewengart at bloewengart@mclinc.org for more information or to register. All are welcome!

A family amid the destruction of the post–Civil War South, and of a modern-day teacher who learns of their story and its vital connection to her students’ lives.

Bestselling author Lisa Wingate brings to life startling stories from actual “Lost Friends” advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as newly freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold away.

Louisiana, 1875:
In the tumultuous era of Reconstruction, three young women set off as unwilling companions on a perilous quest: Hannie, a freed slave; Lavinia, the pampered heir to a now destitute plantation; and Juneau Jane, Lavinia’s Creole half sister.

Each carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas, following roads rife with vigilantes and soldiers still fighting a war lost a decade before.

For Lavinia and Juneau Jane, the journey is one of stolen inheritance and financial desperation, but for Hannie, torn from her mother and siblings before slavery’s end, the pilgrimage west reignites an agonizing question: Could her long-lost family still be out there? Beyond the swamps lie the limitless frontiers of Texas and, improbably, hope.

Louisiana, 1987:
For first-year teacher Benedetta Silva, a subsidized job at a poor rural school seems like the ticket to canceling her hefty student debt—until she lands in a tiny, out-of-step Mississippi River town.

Augustine, Louisiana, is suspicious of new ideas and new people, and Benny can scarcely comprehend the lives of her poverty-stricken students.

But amid the gnarled live oaks and run-down plantation homes lie the century-old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything. (From the publisher.)

Book Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions:

1. Lisa Wingate brings to life stories from actual “Lost Friends”
advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after
the Civil War, as newly freed slaves desperately searched for
loved ones who had been sold away. Had you heard of the
real “Lost Friends” ads before? What did you think of the
words written so long ago? What did you learn about the
Reconstruction era through this novel?
2. The Book of Lost Friends is a story of remarkable women who
built legacies we benefit from today. There are many women
from the past, like Hannie, who do not often make it into
our history books. Who is one woman from history that you
greatly admire and think that the world should know more
about?
3. What lessons does Benny learn from her students? Do you
think her students change her?
4. The town of Augustine is controlled by a powerful family
with secrets. Have you ever learned of a secret in your own or
someone else’s family? What was the reason for it, and what
were the results of it coming out?
5. Hannie, Juneau Jane, and Lavinia are an unlikely trio when
they start on their quest. How does their journey shape them
as they come of age? How do Hannie and Juneau grow during
their quest? What does each learn from the other?
6. Elam Salter is a character with a larger-than-life reputation.
What is his role in the story? Why does Hannie find it hard
to trust him?
7. Symbolism is used in this novel in a number of ways,
including: the single ladybug, Hannie’s blue beads, and the
church where the main characters hide. What do you think
these symbols mean? Did you notice any other symbolism
in the novel?
8. In what ways do Benny and Nathan help each other move
forward?
9. What do you think Benny is going to do at the end of the
novel?
10. A volunteer at the Historic New Orleans Collection sparked
the idea for this novel when she wrote to Lisa about the Lost
Friends database. Why do you think history, particularly that
preserved in the voices of those who lived the experience,
matters?
11. Visit the Lost Friends database. Choose one ad to share with
another member of your book club. (From the publisher.)

A Different Kind of Book Club

A Different Kind of Book Club focuses on reading books with happy endings (romance, light fantasy, cozy mysteries and the occasional nonfiction). New members are welcome.
On Tuesday, December 21 at 6:30 pm, the club will be discussing The Overlook by Michael Connelly. Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. For the January 18 meeting the club will be discussing Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. All are welcome to join. Please email Debra Duffy at deblrduff@gmail.com for more information.

Adult Coloring Book Class
Monday, December 6 at 1:00 PM

De-stress and get creative! Join in for a fun, relaxed afternoon with pencils and markers at our Adult Coloring Book Class. We have lots of beautiful coloring book pages to choose from.
You’re never too old to color!
All materials provided.

Holiday Card Making

Get creative with Sheetal Wagh as she shows you how to create cards. The library will provide you with materials to create three holiday cards. Card materials and design sheet MUST be picked up at the library between 12/6—12/10.
14 and older please. Registration required and limited to 15 participants.

Craft Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 10:00 am – 12 noon

Bring your craft projects and join in with others for a friendly exchange of conversation while working on your craft. All are welcome!

Canasta
Thursdays 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Join us each Thursday to play and learn the social and exciting game of Canasta. Newcomers and experienced players welcomed!! Please bring your Canasta cards.
This program is FREE and open to the public.

Mahjong

Mahjong is back! We will begin hosting Mahjong every Tuesday from 12 noon until 3:00 pm – PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME. Initially we are limiting this program to 20 participants. Please register by emailing Barbara Loewengart at bloewengart@mclinc.org or you may call the library at 610-666-6640. All are welcome.

Memoir Writing Circle

The Memoir Writing Group meets the 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00 PM in the community room. Join writers in finding their voice through memoir writing. The group will use writing prompts, poems, journal entries and images to discover the compelling themes and stories that comprise a memoir. Suitable for writers of all levels and experience. Sharing your writing each month is not required, but definitely encouraged. This is an open and supportive group. Please contact Eileen Myers at emyers176@yahoo.com for more information or to become part of the group.

Medicare

Douglas Keene, the APPRISE coordinator for Montgomery County, wants our patrons to know that state-trained APPRISE volunteer counselors have always offered free, unbiased easy-to-understand information about the best plans for health coverage for Medicare recipients. Counselors are available at (610) 834-1040 ext. 120 to return calls and assist people with their Medicare concerns? In addition, APPRISE has put a number of informative Medicare presentations (and more) on their web site at www.rsvpmc.org/medicare-help. You can watch these presentations on your devices at your convenience.