Meetings to explore ‘freedom’ Humanities Council invites residents to reflect at local libraries

Thursday, Oct. 11, one month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, residents throughout Maine are invited to gather in their local libraries to share their thoughts about that day and its consequences and to reflect on the meanings of freedom.

Organized by the Maine Humanities Council, these facilitated community gatherings will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and will focus on two short readings, an excerpt from a speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt and a poem by W.H. Auden. Participants will explore the insights these writings can offer in troubled times.

This evening of reading, reflection and remembrance is offered with assistance from the Maine State Library and Study Circles Resource Center.

For details see www.mainehumanities.org or

contact the Maine Humanities Council at 773-5051 or info@mainehumanities.org.

The Maine Humanities Council, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is a statewide, private, nonprofit organization which uses literature, history, philosophy and the arts to provide opportunities for people to come together in conversation that crosses social, economic and cultural differences.

Following is the most recent list of libraries in the Bangor Daily News circulation area that have indicated they will participate. If your community isn’t yet included, contact your local library:

Bangor Public Library, Belfast Free Library, Blue Hill Public Library, Brewer Public Library, Brooksville Free Public Library, Camden Public Library, Witherle Memorial Library in Castine, Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter;

Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth Public Library, Mantor Library at the University of Maine at Farmington, Fort Kent Public Library, Cary Public Library in Houlton to be held at Houlton Higher Education Center, Madawaska Middle-High School, the University of Maine at Machias Library, Milbridge Public Library;

Orono Public Library, Orrington Public Library, Pittsfield Public Library, Northern Maine Technical College Library in Presque Isle, Rockland Public Library, Carver Memorial Library in Searsport, and Jackson Memorial Library in Tenants Harbor.