Pushing the Limits Reading, Viewing and Discussion Series March - June 2014

The Weathersfield Proctor Library will host a free four-part reading, viewing and discussion series for adults called Pushing the Limits.  The library is one of 75 rural public libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series.  Pushing the Limits brings together books and video featuring authors, scientists and everyday people who thrive on exploring the natural world. 

All programs will be held at the library.  For details or to register, please contact the library at 802-674-2863 - email weathersfieldproctorlibrary@gmail.com.

Since the beginning of time, humans have imagined and achieved ways to push the boundaries of the physical world.  We want to be stronger, smarter, and more aware, and we create stories to bring those dreams to life.  But many of those stories are no longer just stories; and with great new advances in science and technology, we are finding ways in which all of us are able to push the limits every day.    

The Pushing the Limits program will explore these ideas in discussions that will include feature film quality videos and recommended popular books. The overarching theme is one of real people, real stories and real science.

Group discussion events will be held once per month on the following topics and books:

 - KNOWLEDGE:  Jean Auel, The Land of Painted Caves 

   - SURVIVAL:  Clive Cussler, Arctic Drift

     - CONNECTION:  Erik Larson, Thunderstruck

         - NATURE:  T.C. Boyle, When the Killing's Done

          

                 

Jeanne Voorhees, Environmental Scientist and David (Todd) Hindinger, Civil and Structural Engineer will each lead two sessions with discussion of the book and videos of author interviews and human interest stories.  

This national program has been developed by a team of library professionals, scientists, and filmmakers. Their organizations include Dartmouth College, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, the Califa Group (a California-based library consortium), Dawson Media Group, and Oregon State University-- with generous funding from the National Science Foundation.