The Old Forge Library will kick-off its Centennial Celebration with a reader’s theater production that will chronicle the library’s beginning to the present day.
OFL One Hundred Years and Counting-Channeling the Past Straight into the Present, written by Paula Alida Roy, will be performed on Wednesday, December 4 at 7 p.m.
The production, which is being directed by Alan Saban, starts out in the present day with North Public Radio Station Manager Ellen Rocco—portrayed by Mary Ann Nelson— interviewing Library Director Isabella Worthen about the library’s history and evolution.
Through a unique twist, Saban said, the present and past come together as founders of the library, librarians, trustees, and staff are channeled and add their own recollections.
A few of the characters will be playing themselves including Worthen, former librarian and trustee Carol Hansen, library assistant Karen Lee, and David Beck who will represent children’s programming.
Portraying the library’s first librarian May Sperry Young is Kelly Hamlin; Jim Ulrich will play W.J. Thistle-thwaite, the first president; and Betty Rannels will portray Mrs. R. (Ella) Lindsay, trustee.
The part of local entrepreneur Moses Cohen, whose home was where the library resides, will be played by Mike Farmer.
The community is welcome to attend the performance which will be followed by a question and answer session.