#b#Plainsboro Library Hosts Memory Drive#/b#
In connection with a gallery exhibit of historical Plainsboro photographs from the library’s archives, the Plainsboro Public Library will host a “Memory Drive” where residents will be asked to share a memory about where they are from and about life in Plainsboro. The program aims to collect histories from residents of Plainsboro Township. The new program, partially funded by a grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, is expected to result in a collection of oral histories, bound documents, artifacts, and an interactive video kiosk that will be available to the public.
Library staff will provide index cards on which residents can respond to the questions “What do you miss the most about your hometown?” and “What do you like best about Plainsboro?” The cards will be attached to a gallery wall alongside the exhibit and will eventually be bound together.
“Voices of Plainsboro,” developed by library staff member Julie Donaldson, will provide residents with a number of different ways to share and preserve their life stories. Included will be a live retelling before an audience, written accounts, and audio and video documentation.
“Faces of Plainsboro” developed by staff member Donna Senopoulos, will provide residents with an opportunity for visual self-expression as an alternative to the recorded word. Because not everyone is comfortable creating traditional art, the library will develop workshops in visual journaling and artifact making. There will be traditional self-portraits as well. Plainsboro artists Liz Adams, Maria Pisano, and Tamara Woronczuk will participate.
The reception for the exhibit will be held from Sunday, May 20, 2 to 4 p.m. An interactive component will be on display to help build interest and excitement in the project. “It will also be an opportunity to explain the program to residents, and get them thinking about how they may want to participate,” says Senopoulos.
The actual recordings and workshops are scheduled to start sometime in the fall. There will be upcoming activities in conjunction with the project including a children’s story time to focus on how kids can express personality in images and then create collage portraits scheduled for June.
Related library programming includes an adult portrait drawing workshop this May, taught by Plainsboro artist Pablo Riestra, who will display many of his portraits at an exhibit in October.
The Plainsboro exhibit will run from through May 30. Memory Drive donations will be collected from Sunday, May 20, through the close of the show.
Memory Drive Community History Program, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street, Plainsboro. Sunday, May 20, 2 to 4 p.m. Opening reception for “Historical Plainsboro Photographs,” a gallery exhibit. 609-275-2897 or www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
#b#Kids on Stage at West Windsor Library#/b#
Dollhouse Blues,” “The Book of Spells,” “My Secret Admirer,” and “Cookie Crazy” will be presented at West Windsor Library on Friday, May 18, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 19, at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. Performers range in age from 8 to 14 and are all from the Mercer County area. The children’s plays were written by Michael Kerr, the head of the reference department at the library for eight years.
“Dollhouse Blues” is about four kids trapped in a dollhouse and how they try to get out. “Cookie Crazy” is about a girl trying to get a boy to buy cookies from her so she can make her cookie quota. “My Secret Admirer” is about a girl trying to find out who wrote a note to her in the school cafeteria. “The Book of Spells” is about four girls who explore an old house and what happens when one of them finds a book of spells.
Cast members from West Windsor include Sanaa Rangwala, Levi Elias, Phoebe Elias, Tara Gideon, Jai Wilkins, Marisa Carroll, Jason Carroll. Matthew Rossi, Harrison Cohen, Sophia Lennox, Alana Greener, Joshua Fontak, Madelyn Chartock, Evan Chartock, and Isabelle Bannon. Cast member from Plainsboro is Megan Mantha.
Playfest is sponsored by the Friends of the West Windsor Library. Doors open 20 minutes before show time. The shows are recommended for ages 8 and above. Admission is free.
—Lynn Miller
Spring Playfest, West Windsor Library, 333 North Post Road. Friday, May 18, 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 19, at 3 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m. 609-275-8901. www.mcl.org.
