Did you know the library has a button maker?! Come create wearable buttons with magazine cut outs and your own original drawings!

In 1941, Herman Melton, a farm boy who had never seen the ocean, submitted an application for admittance to the U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps.  More than fifty years later, with the help of his son, he composed a memoir of his wartime experiences as a Merchant Marine engineer.  The Merchant Marine became the workhorse of the military supply system and a critical factor in the outcome of World War II, but there are few surviving accounts of life below the decks of these remarkable ships. Stories of combat and the sinking of his ship are told in vivid detail in this carefully-researched book, along with the love story of Herman Melton and his future wife, Helen Louise Dunn.  
Will Melton, who edited and helped research Liberty’s War (2017), will bring an engaging presentation based on his father’s memories and primary source materials, followed by a Q & A. 
Free and open to the public.Sponsored by the Holyoke History Room. (413) 420-8107.

Holyoke Public Library HOSTS ‘HOWLARIOUS HALLOWEEN’ SHOW WITH 

MARY JO MAICHACK, STORYTELLER

Space is Limited! Register for this program at (413) 420-8105.

The Holyoke Public Library will host storyteller and singer Mary Jo Maichack in a captivating program of ghost stories, songs & jokes for families, especially for children aged 5 and older (siblings who can attend quietly are welcome with caregivers). “Howlarious Halloween is a spooky & silly show. It will take place Saturday, October 20th at 11 a.m. at the library.  Crack up to ghost jokes, help make spooky sound effects, and be amazed by the many voices and characters in Ms. Maichack’s repertoire. Her ghost stories are funny and spooky and her singing lively. She is really fun! This show is appropriate for ages 5 up, not preschoolers, as there is plenty of longer storytelling and a quiet background of suspense makes it exciting for this age-group, right up to adults.  

Ms. Maichack has won two national awards for her storytelling, has performed some 3,000 shows in libraries, schools, festivals since 1989. She was featured several times on WGBY-PBS TV, the Connecticut Storytelling Festival, Three Apples and Mark Twain Festivals and from San Francisco to Venice, Italy. Learn more about Maichack’s programs, residencies and workshops for all ages at her Web site, www.MaryJoMaichack.com.

Register for this program at (413) 420-8105.

Paint your own mini pumpkin to either take home or decorate the Teen Room