Talks, Workshops and Just For Fun

Professor Andrea M. Berlin, of the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Minnesota, will give a slide talk on “The Phoenicians and the Maccabees: Excavations at Tel Kadesh” at the library Sunday, March 25, 2 p.m.

In ancient times, this farming village was the site of a battle led by Jonathon Maccabee, son of the leader of the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire, c. 150 B.C. Archaeologists have uncovered humble domestic dwellings and objects from Phoenician, Greek and Roman eras at the site.

On Saturday, March 24, a unique series of presentations and roundtable discussions will kick off at the Rye Free Reading Room. The first, “EDU 101,” which will run from 10 a.m. to noon, begins with a presentation by Dr. Steven Cohen, Assistant Superintendent of the Rye City School District, on “What Kind of Schools Matter?” Following his talk, the room will be divided in to smaller groups for dialogue, facilitating a forum for community input.

The discussions will culminate in a reassembly of participants for a final wrap-up. Minutes will be taken and made available to the School District leadership in order that the values and concerns of the Rye community are better understood. Recommended pre-reading: “Tough Times or Tough Choices: The report on the new commission on the Skills of the American Workforce by the National Center on Education and the Economy.”

Join other reading fans at the library’s Friday Morning Book Café on April 6, 9:30 a.m. for literary conversation and refreshments. Copies of the book under discussion are available at the library’s circulation desk. Book Café is held the first Friday of each month, and new participants are always welcome.

The Rye Free Reading Room and moderator Michael Alcee invite poetry lovers to the Contemporary Poets’ Society at 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month to read and discuss recently published poetry. Newcomers are welcome. The next gathering is March 27.

For more information on library events, visit www.RyeLibrary.org or call 231-3162.