For the past 9 1/2 years a satellite the size of a grand piano has been trundling outwardly from Earth toward Pluto. The distance from here to there is incredible, beyond my true apprehension. When I was a kid looking at the planets in our World Book Encyclopedia, there were pictures of DC3 aircraft winging toward the moon, and projections of how long it would take to get there in that venerable craft. I heard yesterday on NPR that if we were to drive in our SUV toward Pluto at at the legal rate of 65 mph it would take us -- get ready -- six thousand years (and change) to go over that river and through those woods and arrive at Pluto's environment. Looking at it another way, and since this is a library blog, if you wanted to keep the kids amused for the whole trip to Pluto with the whole 18+ hour Harry Potter saga, you'd have to run the tape something like one hundred thousand times. Just think of how many times you could listen to the theme from Frozen.
What's amazing to me is the limitless expanse of the human brain, our ability to dream grandly. Humans have striven to reach for the stars forever and human imagination, roaming around in that wonderful organ that we call the brain, has taken us to so many stars -- whether they be actual planetary objects, paintings of water lilies, heart transplants, exploring the unknown regions of our Earth, even genetically modified crop plants. These endeavours enrich each of us; we're all a part of the process and it's glorious.
At the same time I grieve for those whose imaginations seem to be stuck. Duck taped somehow to unrelenting fear. Fear of Others. Their race or religion, nationality -- endless fear. Fear of The Government. Fear that They are going to confiscate what ever they have. Living in fox holes and bunkers in -- wherever ISIS lives, wherever American survivalists live. I read today of fear among citizens living in West Texas for a US Army military exercise in their neighborhood, an exercise that is aimed at protecting them from some sort of assault by The Others. That young guy, Dylann Roof, living in fear of African Americans -- and those who taught him fear -- when he and they could have celebrated life with them. I grieve for these people.
The mind expands on its own. It requires no energy. I am sure that a lot of endorphins are released on the way. It feels good. Hate requires rigorous trainining. To shackle the mind requires a lot of effort and energy. I grieve for those whose minds are so shackled.
Historic School House Summer Library
About Deering Public Library
The petition to the Senate and House of Representatives in Portsmouth to incorporate a library in Deering was granted on 6 December 1797.
"To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in general Court at Portsmouth November 1797 Humbly sheweth [sic], That Robert Alcock Thomas Merrill Thomas Aiken William Forsaith James Sherrier and others their Associates Inhabitants of Deering have purchased a number of Books, for the purpose of a social Library in said Town, but finding it necessary to be Incorporated, in order to realize the advantages thereby Intended, by purchasing books in common, your petitioners therefore pray that they may be Incorporated with such priviledges [sic] as are usually granted in such cases, and they as in duty bound will ever pray
Robert Alcock for himself and Associates"
The Deering Library's Mission is to create a vibrant community center that inspires curiosity, personal growth and opportunities for life-long learning.
To view our policies, agendas and the minutes of trustee meetings please visit the library, or use the link to the Town of Deering website.
Deering Public Library is located in Southwest New Hampshire's glorious Monadnock Region. Deering is a quintessential New England town with a white clapboard church, a town hall at its center and a population of approximately 1800 people. The library is located year round on the second floor of the town hall. Our seasonal school house library is open during the summer.
"To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in general Court at Portsmouth November 1797 Humbly sheweth [sic], That Robert Alcock Thomas Merrill Thomas Aiken William Forsaith James Sherrier and others their Associates Inhabitants of Deering have purchased a number of Books, for the purpose of a social Library in said Town, but finding it necessary to be Incorporated, in order to realize the advantages thereby Intended, by purchasing books in common, your petitioners therefore pray that they may be Incorporated with such priviledges [sic] as are usually granted in such cases, and they as in duty bound will ever pray
Robert Alcock for himself and Associates"
The Deering Library's Mission is to create a vibrant community center that inspires curiosity, personal growth and opportunities for life-long learning.
To view our policies, agendas and the minutes of trustee meetings please visit the library, or use the link to the Town of Deering website.
Deering Public Library is located in Southwest New Hampshire's glorious Monadnock Region. Deering is a quintessential New England town with a white clapboard church, a town hall at its center and a population of approximately 1800 people. The library is located year round on the second floor of the town hall. Our seasonal school house library is open during the summer.
