The 100-year history of the Old Forge Library was presented in a readers theater format before a packed audience at the library on Wednesday, December 4th.
The production, Old Forge Library—One Hundred Years and Counting: Channeling the Past Straight Into the Present, written by Paula Alida Roy and directed by Alan Saban, chronicled the events of the library’s beginnings to present day by combining rhetoric between the channeled spirits of the characters who gave it its start and its modern day staff, as monitored by North Country Public Radio host, Ellen Rocco.
Characters playing themselves included present Library Director Isabella Worthen, former librarian and trustee Carol Hansen, library assistant Karen Lee, and David Beck who represented children’s programming as a whole.
Mary Ann Nelson took on the character of Ellen Rocco and Casey Hamlin played the role of a radio technician.
Portraying the library’s first librarian May Sperry Young was Kelly Hamlin; Jim Ulrich played W.J. Thistlethwaite, the first president; and Betty Rannels portrayed Mrs. R. (Ella) Lindsay, trustee. The part of local entrepreneur Moses Cohen was played by Mike Farmer.
The play set the stage for a variety of events planned for the next year in celebration of the library’s centennial.
Next up is a community read of the book, A Northern Light, by Jennifer Donnelly. Published in 2003, the work of historical fiction is set in 1906 against the backdrop of the murder of Grace Brown on Big Moose Lake, Theodore Dreiser’s inspiration for his book, An American Tragedy.
Worthen said the book will appeal to readers of all ages as many will recognize the local landmarks featured on its pages. A thermometer, painted by Sue Freese, will be on view at the library to gauge the numbers of reader participation.
Worthen also announced that Jennifer Donnelly will make a special appearance at the library in August 2014 to lead a book discussion program.