May 6 – June 4
Fen, Bog and Swamp by Annie Proulx (copies available at the Library)
A Community Read is a shared reading experience where members of the community all read and discuss one book. From May 6 – June 4 the G.A.R. Memorial Library, West Newbury Conservation Commission, and West Newbury Climate Change Resiliency Committee invite all residents of West Newbury to join us in reading Annie Proulx’s book, Fen, Bog and Swamp, and to participate in the corresponding events in May and June.
West Newbury’s unique wetland habitats and extended river frontage make it particularly susceptible to flooding caused by climate change and sea level rise. In August of 2023, the Commonwealth’s Municipal Vulnerability Program announced a $150,000 grant to the Town of West Newbury for a study of climate change impacts on River Road and its environs.
The assessment will allow Town officials and residents to better understand the timeline and locations of future flooding and explore both interim and long-term climate adaptation strategies. It will also inform planning and consideration of alternatives to foster resiliency.
West Newbury’s month-long Community Read will serve to facilitate discussions related to these topics, provide educational opportunities for all ages, and inspire action on a local level.
Copies of Fen, Bog and Swamp are available at the Library. Copies of the eBook and audiobook are available with no wait time on Overdrive/Libby for West Newbury patrons only.
For more information about the MVP FY24 Action Grant: https://www.wnewbury.org/2023MVPGrant
