Abbot Library presents “Marblehead Reads,” a month-long series of community events in March 2007
Abbot Public Library has been awarded a $7,500 competitive grant to launch a town-wide program encouraging all residents to read the National Book Award winner In the Heart of the Sea: the Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. The grant enables the library and several collaborating Marblehead organizations to host a series of events related to the book throughout the month of March. The program is called Marblehead Reads.
“We are very happy to have won this grant, which makes possible a series of very special events for the whole community including a visit from author Nat Philbrick on March 14 which will be free to everyone,” said Bonnie J. Strong, Director of the library. “We’re planning musical, literary, learning and fun events that will take place in a variety of places in Marblehead for all age groups. Our goal is to have as many people as possible read the book and then have a great time discussing it with everyone!”
The library has been working with a committee of representatives of several Marblehead organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, Marblehead Schools, the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore, and the Friends of Abbot Library to plan events for the month. The library says it expects to add to that list and involve additional organizations and many individuals who have offered to help.
In the Heart of the Sea is the story of the whaleship Essex that was sunk in 1820 by an enraged sperm whale, and the subsequent fight for survival at sea by the captain and crew members. “We formed a committee to choose a book that would allow for a lot of discussion among residents. Not only does In the Heart of the Sea present a host of issues to talk about, but Nat Philbrick also wrote a young adult version called Revenge of the Whale: the True Story of the Whaleship Essex. 
There is also a book for children from grades 4–7 by Jill Fine, entitled The Whaleship Essex: the True Story of Moby Dick. With these books, we’ll have something for every age group,” said Bonnie Strong. “The tragedy of the Essex was a huge news story in its time and the inspiration for Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.”
The library has acquired multiple copies of the books and the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore offers multiple copies for sale as well. Some of the many events to look forward to are a performance by “Ye Mariners All,” sea shanty singers, at the me&thee coffeehouse, an exhibit, kids’ workshop and social hour at the Marblehead Museum and Historical Society, showings of the movie “Moby Dick,” book discussions at area bed and breakfasts, a panel discussion on the issues presented in the book, craft workshops for kids, and other musical and fun events. See the links on the right for more information on these events.
The grant awarded to the library is a Federal grant made possible through the Library Services and Technology Act and administered by the State of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
The Abbot Public Library is located at 235 Pleasant Street in Marblehead and on the web at www.abbotlibrary.org.
