The Monday Evening Conversations Group meets on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. All members and other interested parties are invited.
It may be of interest to know that the The Social Library, predecessor of the Salem Athenæum, was founded by a similar discussion group, called the Monday Evening Club. Edward Augustus Holyoke, Rev. Thomas Barnard, Rev. Thomas Gilchrist, Benjamin Lynde, Nathaniel Ropes and others were among the Monday Evening Club founders, who gathered to discuss current events and topics of mutual interest.
Topics for discussion are wide open, but must be amenable to good conversation. Examples include:
- The long ranging effects of the Civil War
- The courage to be vulnerable
- European architecture
- The importance/non importance of art
- Why have friends
Meetings will start with something to help frame the discussion for the evening, such as a:
- brief talk
- podcast
- video
- reading of prose or poetry
- music
We look forward to talking with you!
*** Limited seating.***
Please arrive early to ensure that you have a seat.
Derek Belanger will discuss Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of its publication this year.
Throughout Derek’s academic career, Frankenstein has continually surfaced as both a masterpiece and a teaching tool. It was by way of this classic that he was first admitted to the graduate program in literature at Harvard Extension. Several papers and perspectives on the same have bolstered his studies in literary criticism as he currently writes his masters thesis.
In honor of this important book’s bicentennial year, he will share his experience with Frankenstein in the many forms by which he has studied the work, and offer a perspective on the realities of graduate studies.
In the end, perspectives arise through discussion—he invites us all to join him in the creation of the new on this 200th anniversary.
Readers of all backgrounds are welcome to attend.
The public book sale is Saturday from 9-5 and Clearance ($3/bag) is on Sunday from 9-2.
During the Clearance on Sunday, teachers with ID receive free books.
Proceeds benefit the Athenaeum collections and educational programs.
Donations to the book sale may be delivered to the Athenaeum during normal open hours now through September 6.