In celebration of literacy, the University of Maine at Fort Kent English faculty will once again facilitate a series of events designed to share a love for literature with people of all ages in the local area. The series of events will run from October 17 to 20, 2024.
The events will launch on Harry Potter Book Day, a day originally intended to help increase literacy, on Thursday, October 17th. Professor of English and Creative Writing, Geraldine Cannon Becker will read to first-graders at Fort Kent Elementary School, as an end of the school day treat.
Then, on Friday, October 18th, at 2:00 p.m., the English Faculty will be at the Blake Library, located on the UMFK campus, to share highlights from the recent trip to Boston and Professor Cannon Becker’s lecture on “Literacy Through Poetry.”
“Readings by English faculty from recently published work of their own and various other “spooky” selections, such as Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven,’ may be expected,” said Dr. Joseph Becker, “Faculty, staff, students, and members of the community are encouraged to join us.”
Attendees are also invited to bring and read selections of their own choosing.
On Saturday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m., the events continue at Fort Kent Public Library. Once again, English faculty will read a selection of “spooky” works that will be appropriate for children. Anyone may attend. Costumes are not required, but Professor Cannon Becker says that she will probably be dressed as one of her favorite characters from the Harry Potter series, Professor Minerva McGonagall. She advises, “Wear your favorite house colors if you wish. Wands ready!”
Then, on Sunday, October 20th, they will make a final stop on the train of events at First Mile Brewing Company at 1:00 p.m.
“Come see what is brewing and bubbling up at First Mile,” Professor Cannon Becker said, “Anyone may join us for continuing the conversation about these events, and more, as we share adventures in literature and language. This is where our Writers of the First Mile community writing group first got started. Let us know if you’d like to participate in that group, too!”
The group has been meeting at the Fort Kent Public Library.
For more information on these events, please contact Professor Cannon Becker at geraldine.becker@maine.edu.