“Myths & Misconceptions about Paducah :  Myths, Legends, Lore, Lies & Damnable Lies” 

A presentation by

John E. L. Robertson

Author & Local Historian

During this talk Robertson will discuss fascinating and some perhaps controversial aspects of Paducah’s  history, including often debated Chief Paduke, internationally know “Speedie”, Pegleg Pete and the tales of the witches of Island Creek and the “eyes” on Poole Road. He will also take a look at unique persons and events that shaped Paducah’s rich history such as Paducah’s greatest contribution to professional baseball, evolution and the Scopes, a Paducahan who was honored with a fossil named for him and the landing of the SS New Orleans. Robertson is an avid local historian and author of several titles including : Paducah a Pictorial History, Paducah Frontier to the Atomic Age and the recent, Paducahans Famous and Not So Famous and Profiles of Past Paducahans, co-authored by the late Allan Rhodes Sr. In 2008, The Kentucky Historical Society honored Robertson with the Lifetime Contribution to Kentucky History Award. 

 November 12 @ 7:00 p.m.

In the Library Meeting Room

Contact Bobbie Wrinkle -270-442-2510 X 19 bwrinkle@mclib.net

All programs are free & open to the public.

My bookmark is nestled in the pages of “Persona Non Grata,” the third installment of Ruth Downie’s Roman Empire series. I love this series. Set in the second-century, the series chronicles the life of an army doctor as he humorously solves the captivating mysteries he seems to find himself tangled in. In this book Ruso returns home to his family after many years of service with the roman legion. The Medicus has brought his trusty companion, Tilla, along for the journey. Her meeting with the family is less than perfect, as is Ruso’s welcoming. From the start they plunge head first into a nest of conspiring family members, a murder mystery, and tax plot that threatens to bury them all, nothing too much for the medicus to handle though. Filled with plot twists, intrigue, and humor, Downie’s Roman Empire series is fast, fun-filled read. I am thoroughly enjoying this latest addition to the tale.

“The Houses of Alben Barkley“

with Steve Gabany, PhD

author of Historic Architecture of Paducah & McCracken County

Alben Barkley, whose given name was not Alben William Barkley, was undoubtedly one of Paducah’s best known figures. This interesting discussion led by Gabany, author of the recent 2nd edition Historic Architecture of Paducah & McCracken County, will cover several homes and buildings associated with the Veep. He will trace the rich architectural history of the buildings using computer graphics. Steve Gabany spent 37 years as a university administrator and professor in California and Indiana. He and his wife Carol moved to Paducah three years ago as part of the Artist Relocation Program. They completed the renovation of the “Sebree House”, 6th and Madison, which serves as an art studio and bed and breakfast. Copies of his architectural books will be available for purchase & autographing.

Presented by the Friends of the McCracken County Public Library

September 17, 2009

7:00 pm

In the Library meeting room

All programs are free and open to the public

For more information, contact Bobbie Wrinkle by telephone at 270-442-2510 ext. 19 (Toll-free 866-829-7532) or email at bwrinkle@mclib.net

For more information on Evenings Upstairs click here.

Expect nothing less but hilarity and side-splitting humor from one of my favorite authors, Davis Sedaris, in his latest book “When You Are Engulfed In Flames.” If you’ve ever read Sedaris before, you know you’re in for a real treat with this work of satirical short stories.

“The Houses of Alben Barkley” with Steve Gabany, PhD author of Historic Architecture of Paducah & McCracken County

Alben Barkley, whose given name was not Alben William Barkley, was undoubtedly one of Paducah’s best known figures. This interesting discussion led by Gabany, author of the recent 2nd edition Historic Architecture of Paducah & McCracken County, will cover several homes and buildings associated with the Veep. He will trace the rich architectural history of the buildings using computer graphics. Steve Gabany spent 37 years as a university administrator and professor in California and Indiana. He and his wife Carol moved to Paducah three years ago as part of the Artist Relocation Program. They completed the renovation of the “Sebree House”, 6th and Madison, which serves as an art studio and bed and breakfast. Copies of his architectural books will be available for purchase & autographing.

Presented by the Friends of the McCracken County Public Library

September 17, 2009

7:00 pm

In the Library meeting room

All programs are free and open to the public

Mark your calendar now for the Winter Book Sale scheduled for January 22 & 23!

Currently I am Reading “It’s Not Me, It’s You” by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor. Where is your bookmark today?

Brand New (to You) Titles at Bargain Prices!
Friends Announce New Summer Used Book Savings

Get some fresh finds at a fraction of the cost this month at the McCracken County Friends of the Library Summer Used Book Sale! The biannual bargain is back selling donated books to better your McCracken County Public Library.

Since the Friends sold nearly every box of books at the winter sale, the selection of used materials is as fresh as can be! Nearly all of the 750 boxes of donations for the summer sale come from recent contributions. Check out the “new-to-you” titles at Paducah’s St. Paul Lutheran Church Friday, July 24th from 9 AM to 7 PM and Saturday, July 25th, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Take advantage of the cool sale in St. Paul’s air-conditioned gym at the corner of South 21st Street and Kentucky Avenue.

Most hardback copies are $1 and paperbacks are $.50. Several tables of recent bestsellers and collector and local interest books are priced well below market value. It’s easy to find what you’re looking for… The 6,000 or so titles are organized by subject categories, including a section reserved for audiovisual materials.

Shop and Save Saturday! Back by popular demand, the Friends have designated Saturday as Bag Discount Day. Get a sack full of reads for just $2. No BYOB here! The Friends supply the bags.

While you devour the sale selection, don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Bake Sale table.

All payments may be made in cash or by check. Book sale proceeds benefit the McCracken County Public Library. Each year, the Friends of the Library donate thousands of dollars to support new services, programs, and materials. In just shy of 20 years, Friends’ book sales – alone – have generated more than $190,000 for the library… including a recent $20,000 donation given in April.

Downsizing? Donate your used paperback or hard cover books for the next Friends’ sale! Place any contributions in the collection container just inside the Kentucky Avenue foyer of the library. Text books, magazines, and encyclopedias are not accepted.

You can become a Friend today! Make donations, help raise funds, or support the ongoing mission of the library. Sign up at the sale or call Friends of the Library Past- President Maudine Buchanan at (270) 442-6263 or President Jennie Boyarski at (270) 554-4341.

Currently I am reading How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill. It’s a historical look at how Ireland preserved much of Europe’s records and knowledge through the Middle Ages.  Where’s your bookmark today?