As we enter the first full week of autumn, I want to call your attention to two books in the Deering Public Library. Both feature Autumn in New Hampshire, or at least the ending of the year. In one we read a lament for the ending of another year and of life itself; the other exalts the seasons that comprise the Grand Cycle, the transformation and renewal of life.
In Seasons at Eagle Pond, Donald Hall reflects on the rhythms of nature, and of our New Hampshire life in a long essay/word painting for each of the seasons from the vantage point of nearby Mt Kearsarge. In autumn we progress from the riot of our summer flowers through the golden rods and ending with the asters. We watch as the poplar and maple leaves become incandescent. We say Good bye! to the Summer People and Hello! to the Peepers. We gather in fruits to dry; we press the apples into wonderful cider. Think of the cider donuts! Pick the last tomatoes before the frost. We kick up leaves as we walk through the woods. We finish stacking the wood. We feel the sting in our cheeks and, tonight, the earth will line up between the sun and the moon to give us a supermoon lunar eclipse, which we will see thanks to a completely clear autumn sky.
A Thin Time (edited by Sydney Hall Jr. and Joan Weddle) is an anthology of poems and short pieces written by 'all souls' day poets,' including at least one Deering resident (Jeanne Bartlett). These writers were invited to spend an Autumn day at the home of Joan Weddle, who in 1997 had recently lost her mother, to honor those they have lost and loved, to share their thoughts through poetry.These are poems of recollection of other, maybe not necessarily better, times and of loss.
The pieces in both of these books are short, best taken in small sips. The writings are melancholy at times and at other times boisterous, just as for some autumn signals and ending, while for others (me, for example) autumn is somehow an affirmation that at least something is right: spring will return. I do think the books speak of our town, of where we are on the map and also of our New England mindset.
Why not take a break from setting out those bulbs or planning for Halloween or -- heaven forbid -- Christmas shopping? Stop by the library in Town Hall for a few minutes and spend some time reading something from these books. Maybe you will meet an infrequently seen neighbor and go somewhere for that coffee at long last. In the coming week I will place both on the 'New Books' cart in the library. Please stop by any time Town Hall is open.
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.
