Submitted by the Lopez Island Library
The Lopez Library has another fun and interesting lineup of programs this week, open to all audiences. On Wednesday, July 17, at 4 p.m., in conjunction with the full moon that night, the weekly Family Program will be Full Moon Crafts, featuring a moon sand sensory play station, an edible phases of the moon activity and a few other fun and easy lunar crafts, plus stories! Then, on Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m., a group of eight local poets will be reading from their newly released poetry collection, titled “Refuge on the Rock.” The poems in the book are as diverse as their writers in styles, interests, and point of view. You will hear poems that reflect life on Lopez Island as well as themes that run wildly between trips to a Greek port or a pawn shop, to a walk with a grandchild, or a hike on Goat Mountain. The eight poets who will be reading on Thursday are: Ande Finley, Brooks, Elizabeth Landrum, Janet Yang, Kim Norton, Linda Barton, Molly Swan-Sheeran and Terry Wean.
On the following Wednesday, July 24, at 4 p.m., as a special edition to the Summer Family Programs, we welcome Native flute player Peter Ali, who will be sharing Native flute songs and stories. Ali has been playing since 2000 and is a self-taught musician. He picked up the flute not necessarily to connect with his ancestors at the time, but to heal from a traumatic experience. He does not read music, but plays what is considered as the traditional way, from the heart, which means making up the music as it is being played. Over time his confidence with his process led him to perform at many venues and alongside other Native artists and musicians. He performed for the Dalai Lama in 2009, opened for the “National Acts” program for the Tulalip and Stillaguamish tribes, and performed for former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in 2014. On Wednesday, July 24 at the library, listen to Ali perform the sounds of “Eagle,” “Running River,” and other musical stories of the natural realm. He will be playing a variety of Native flutes and sharing their stories as well as stories of his ethnic heritage. This event is free and open to all ages.
