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Featured Programs

An Afternoon with Geraldine Brooks

A Series Sponsored by the Friends of the Rogers Free Library, Linden Place and Roger Williams University

Rogers Free Library has the distinguished honor to be hosting several events with Pulitzer Prize winning author, Geraldine Brooks. She will be discussing her most recent novel, Horse. The book dives into the horseracing world of the 19th century, and the enslaved who often populated the ranks of jockeys and trainers. To find out more about Geraldine Brooks, her biography can be found here: https://www.prhspeakers.com/speaker/geraldine-brooks.

There will be three opportunities to meet her in Bristol! Attend 1, a combo, or all 3.

Photograph of Geraldine Brooks with a Horse

Book Reading and Signing

Friday, September 29, 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Herreshoff Community Room

Australian-born Geraldine Brooks is an acclaimed New York Times best-selling author and journalist known for her immersive, character-driven historical novels. She writes impeccably researched historical novels, including The Secret Chord, March, People of the Book, Year of Wonders, and Caleb’s Crossing.

Mrs. Brooks will focus her remarks on her latest novel, Horse. As reviewed by The Washington Post, “Ms. Brooks’ latest book is a sweeping tale that uses the true story of a famous 19th-century racehorse to explore the roots and legacy of enslavement…” Horse is a reminder of the simple, primal power an author can summon by creating characters readers care about and telling a story about them — the same power that so terrifies the people so desperately trying to get Toni Morrison banned from their children’s reading lists.

Local author Susan Tacent will moderate the event and local bookstore Ink Fish will make copies of Horse available to purchase on site.

Seating is limited. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Ms. Brooks’ appearance is thanks to a collaborative effort of The Friends of the Rogers Free Library, Linden Place, and Roger Williams University.

Photograph of a tea pot with flowers coming out of the top. The text reads "You are cordially invited to afternoon tea at Linden Place with author Geraldine Brooks. Friday, September 29 at 2:15 pm."

Author Reception & Afternoon Tea

Friday, September 29, 2:15 to 3:15 pm
Linden Place

Linden Place is hosting the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks for an author reception and afternoon tea. Ms. Brooks will be in Bristol to discuss her most recent novel Horse which dives deep into the roots and legacy of the horseracing world of the 19th century and the enslaved who often populated the ranks of jockeys and trainers.

Enjoy tea, scones, tea sandwiches, sweets, and great company.

Attendees of this event will enjoy a dazzling display by The National Black Doll Museum, whose dolls and artifacts help tell stories of African American history.

This is a fee-based event. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Ms. Brooks’ appearance is thanks to a collaborative effort of The Friends of the Rogers Free Library, Linden Place, and Roger Williams University.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks book cover.

Author Talk

Friday, September 29, 4:15 to 5:30 pm
Roger Williams University – Feinstein Arts and Science Building

Geraldine Brooks will give an Author Talk at Roger Williams University in the Feinstein Arts and Sciences Building at 4:15 pm. This talk is a part of the Equine History Conference happening at RWU that weekend. The complete schedule will be posted on their website soon.

This is a fee-based event. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Ms. Brooks’ appearance is thanks to a collaborative effort of The Friends of the Rogers Free Library, Linden Place, and Roger Williams University.


Also Happening in this series

Photograph of Dr. Charlotte Carrington-Farmer holding an award.

Talk: Horses and Slavery: New England’s Connection to the West Indies

Thursday, September 21, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Herreshoff Community Room

Horses and Slavery: New England’s Connection to the West Indies

This talk will examine the intersection of horses and enslaved labour in the eighteenth century, when Rhode Island dominated the horse trade to the sugar colonies in the West Indies. At its nucleus, the trade centred on the connection between equine bodies and enslaved bodies. The talk will use a range of primary sources to explore how enslaved peoples in New England cared for horses, were traded for horses, and toiled alongside them in the West Indies.

Dr. Charlotte Carrington-Farmer is an Associate Professor of History at Roger Williams University, and she specialises in early American History.

Registration is recommended. Register Here.


Portrait of Bonnie Evans

Let’s Talk: Caregiving Matters

Every other Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Herreshoff Community Room

Please join us every other Tuesday for a series of 6 new programs to inform, support and connect caregivers in our community, along with those coping with a serious illness or issues around aging.

There will be presentations along with guest speakers, followed by time to gather with other attendees. The series is led by nurse practitioner and end-of-life doula Bonnie Evans and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

All sessions will be available via Zoom. Watch this page for the zoom link on the day of the event.

Schedule:

September 12 – Caring for the Caregiver

Caregiving can be rewarding as well as stressful. To continue to live well and maximize the physical, emotional and spiritual health of caregivers, techniques for self-care and fostering resilience for self-care and fostering resilience will be reviewed. This information could benefit us all.

Click HERE to join via Zoom

September 26 – Grief “Work”

Grief is deeply personal with no right or wrong or “normal” time frame. Incorporating C.S. Lewis’ short book, A Grief Observed, we will discuss the different types of grief, possible symptoms experienced, and strategies for coping with the loss of a loved one.

October 10 – Hospice: Myth & Facts

After almost 40 years, misperceptions around hospice continue. Hospice RN Rhonda Taddei will provide a detailed presentation on the guidelines for admission, the services offered, and when to consider this specialized care.

October 24 – Caring for Someone @ the End of Life

This is not something that we expect or plan for, yet we may find ourselves in this situation or supporting someone who is. Signs & symptoms experienced at the end of life among with psychological & spiritual issues facing patients & families during this time will be discussed.

November 14– Understanding Dementia

Dementia is a broad term to describe the loss of cognitive function and other related symptoms. Clinical Psychologist Paul Malloy will review the different types of dementia, how symptoms may progress, and the impact on family caregivers.

November 28 – Getting “Stuff” Organized

Where to start? Let’s review resources and tips available that offer guidance on getting important papers & records organized and simplify our possessions, so our families won’t have to.


For information on additional programs, please visit our calendar at rogersfreelibrary.org/calendar


Our visit from Dusty, the miniature horse, has been postponed to next Saturday, September 30 at 10 am.

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