RECENT EVENTS

On April 5, 2019 the FOL teamed with Muskellunge Brewing Company to celebrate First Friday in downtown Canton. Befitting the theme of the

night, “Locally Literate,” FOL arranged a poetry

reading in which five poets, inspired by the

occasion and location, read poems about April, beer, libraries, bars, and fish. Muskellunge generously donated one dollar for each brew poured at the event by the FOL’s guest bartender.

More than a few brews were consumed, and some much needed funds were raised to support 

our local library.

Above (left to right): Diane Kendig, Laura Weldon,

Cat Russell, Shelley Chernin, and John Burroughs.

“Why I Can't Tell You About My First Time” 

[An Excerpt]

by Cat Russell

I can't remember

the first time I stepped into a library

and smelled the sweet musty smell

of used paperbacks,

hardcovers, escapism and knowledge-seeking . . .

I do remember being disappointed

when our local library moved to a new location;

my mother could no longer take me.

I remember spending most of my free time

in the Elementary School library

where I checked out a book on anatomy

that I read cover to cover,

yet didn't check out again after I dreamed

the library was literally

the beating heart of the school . . .

I get that now.

From Soul Picked Clean 

(used with permission of the author)

Diane Kendig hoists a microphone.

Shelley Chernin hoists a brew.