Poetry, science meld at library for April events

WILMINGTON- April is both National Poetry Month and National Citizen Science Month.  Pettee Memorial Library is offering free programs and activities that celebrate the intersection of poetry and science.
Throughout the month a walk around the library lawn will lead readers through the pages of “Circus in the Sky,” a picture book with rhymes that teach children about the mysteries of the night sky.
On April 15 at 7:30 pm on Hayford Field (next to the Old School Community Center) an evening of stargazing will begin with a brief reading of poems about the solar system, followed by guided telescope viewing of Mars, the moon, and Taurus and other constellations. Participants will be able to take close-up pictures of that evening’s “earthshine” moon using their smartphones and the provided telescopes. Attendees will also learn how to contribute to online databases that aid scientific research, such as the World MOON Project and NASA’s Planet Hunters. Rain date is April 16 at 7:30 pm.
On April 22 at 7:30 pm on Hayford Field, a reading of two poems about meteors and “falling stars” will introduce participants to the Lyrid meteor shower during its predicted peak of 18 meteors an hour. Rain date is April 23.
For these events masks are required when using the telescope and social distancing is encouraged. Attendees should wear warm clothes and bring blankets. Free hot cider and tea will be provided.
For more information about these and other events visit petteelibrary.org, email petteelibrary@yahoo.com or call (802) 464-8557.