Satisfy your inner wanderlust and check out our monthly “Armchair Traveler” series! This program will be held at the Ipswich Public Library at 25 North Main Street in Ipswich. Jeff Klapes has been Head of Reference Services at Wakefield’s Beebe Library for over 20 years, where he is also known as the “Traveling Librarian.” On Tuesday, May 31st at 2pm, Jeff will take us on an armchair traveler’s journey through sunny southern Greece. The Peloponnese peninsula is one of the most beautiful regions of the country, but rarely visited by tourists. Home to wild mountain and coastal scenery, and Greece’s best olive groves, the southern Peloponnese also has incredible archaeological sites, both from ancient times and also superb Byzantine era churches. We’ll visit the modern city of Sparta, home to the ancient warlike city-state that rivaled Athens, and also the stunningly beautiful medieval walled city of Monemvasia, isolated on a protected rocky island just off the coast. Having visited more than 50 countries and five continents over the years, Jeff does frequent armchair travel presentations showcasing the history and culture of various places, using photography to capture people, scenery, and local details. From Iceland to Namibia, Laos to Oman, Jeff has visited many off-the-beaten path places, as well as more popular ports of call. And of course, as a librarian, he also reads voraciously about his destinations to learn about their culture, history, politics, literature, nature, and cuisine. This series is free and open to the public, and is funded by a grant from the Coburn Charitable Society.
Come find out why chocolate is good for you!
There’s little doubt that chocolate is a delicious treat and typically seen as a guilty pleasure, but did you know that chocolate can also be healthy? According to Professor of Chemistry Mike Cross at the Northern Essex Community College (NECC) in Haverhill, MA chocolate might just be the “perfect drug.” With high quality versions of chocolate carrying over 500+ natural chemicals and more antioxidants then a bowl of blueberries … chocolate can increase feelings of well-being, reduce high blood pressure, relax blood vessels and more, says Cross. In this presentation, Professor Cross will share his knowledge as both a chemist and a passionate lover of chocolate to help us celebrate the Valentine’s Day season. Chocolate samples will be provided (for scientific research purposes, of course!) This adult program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ipswich Public Library, and is free and open to the public. However, space is limited so registration is required! Click here to save your spot now!
Ipswich First Period Heritage Program & Walking Tour
Come join us! Saturday, 18 August 2018 10:00 AM-2:00 PM The Town of Ipswich, MA is known as America’s best-preserved Puritan town. With almost 60 houses that were constructed in part or in whole before 1720, Ipswich has more First Period homes than any other town in the country. This informational lecture and 1.5 mile walking tour includes samplings of First Period and other historic houses in three historic districts, Meeting House Green, High Street and the East End 10:00 am: Our program begins at the Ipswich Public Library, 25 North Main Street, with a slideshow and presentation by Ipswich Historical Commission chairman John Fiske. 10:45 am – 12:30 pm: Walking tour of historic homes, led by Town Historian Gordon Harris and members of the Ipswich Historical Commission. 12:30 pm: Participants are invited to return to the library for a light lunch and an opportunity for additional questions and discussion. PLEASE NOTE: The Library is not open for regular library service on Saturdays in the summer. Doors will open starting at 9:30am for the program, and lunch will be provided. This program is free of charge but space is limited and so pre-registration is required. To register, CLICK HERE. (Vegetarian and gluten-fee options will be provided at lunch. If you have other requests, please contact Library Director Patty DiTullio at pditullio@ipswichlibrary.org and will we do our best to accommodate your needs! The luncheon is funded by The Friends of the Ipswich Public Library.) Gordon Harris historicipswich@gmail.com Location: Collins Room