Skidompha Library will hold its “A Wrinkle in Time Extravaganza” on Saturday, March 17.
Director’s Note
It was a dark and stormy night…
This opening line has been a literary “facepalm” since it first appeared in a overwrought Victorian novel by Sir Edward George Earle Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton. It has become synonymous with the Victorian melodramatic style, and the annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, begun in 1982 as an homage to this most famous of opening lines, requires contestants “to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels.”
With all of this historical baggage, we may very well ask how in the heck one of the best-loved classics for children and young adults also begins with the words, “It was a dark and stormy night…”
Anyone know the novel I’m referring to? That’s right, I’m talking about the dark and stormy night that introduced the world to Meg Murry, the girl-turned-warrior in the 1962 classic “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle.
On March 9 “A Wrinkle in Time” will debut in movie theaters in the new adaptation by director Ava Duvernay, and on March 17, Skidompha Library will host our very own “Wrinkle in Time Extravaganza,” complete with science, technology, and art activities for the whole family. Remember Harry Potter Day? Well, we’re at it again!
Ever wanted to build a nebula in a jar? Well, now you can. How about construct 5th dimensional objects? We’ve got that too. Want to change the color of your skin for an intergalactic dance party? Artist Erica Qualey will be on hand for some space-age body-marbling.
And that’s just the beginning: Step through our very own tesseract, and we will transport you to another planet where the wonders of the galaxy await! All interstellar exploits are designed to be drop-in, completely free, and open to the public. Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
But wait! There’s more! Skidompha has chartered a shuttle mission to bring students ages 8 to 14 to the matinee showing of “A Wrinkle in Time” at the Thomaston Cinema, and safely back to Earth again.
Tickets for transportation and the film are $10. Students should be prepared for take-off at Porter Meeting Hall by 12 p.m., Saturday, March 17.
For more information, keep an eye on our website. And keep an eye out for Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who…
Have a stellar week,
Pam Gormley
Executive Director
Library Happenings
We’ve got more family films lined up for March:
On Saturday, March 10 at 11 a.m., come see the next in our Miyazaki film series, “Princess Mononoke.” Inflicted with a deadly curse, a young warrior named Ashitaka sets out for the forests of the west in search of the cure that will save his life.
Once there, Ashitaka becomes inextricably entangled in a bitter battle that matches Lady Eboshi and a proud clan of humans against the forest’s animal gods, who are led by the brave Princess Mononoke, a young woman raised by wolves.
This monumental struggle between humans and nature will have you transfixed with amazement in this stunning blend of artistry and epic storytelling.
Then, on March 24 at 11 a.m., it’s “Matilda,” the Roald Dahl modern fairytale that mixes hilarious humor with a magical message of love.
“Matilda” is the story of a super-smart little girl who is woefully misunderstood by her parents, her brother, and an evil school principal. But with the help of a brave best friend and a wonderful teacher, Matilda discovers she doesn’t have to get mad to get even.
Skidompha Library has been supporting our community since 1885 in Downtown Damariscotta. Find Skidompha online at skidompha.org or on Facebook.
