Event: "Mandrakes, Nightshades, and More"

Mandrakes, Nightshades, and More
Wednesday, September 29, 7-9 pm, Morgan Room

Speaker: Katharine Anderson

Experience first-hand (minus screaming mandrakes), Harry's Herbology class as Katharine Anderson traces the science behind the folklore of nightshades that include the botany and chemistry that account for the family's notorious reputation.

Katharine is an ethnobotanist and cultural geographer who teaches in the Environmental Program at UVM. As an undergraduate botany major at UVM, she became fascinated with the stories of human interactions with the plant world. Her dissertation became a book titled Nature, Culture and Big Old Trees. At UVM she teaches Ethnobotany, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and Religion and Ecology. Four years ago she taught a seminar called Mandrakes, Magic and Medicine, which led to her being part of the Harry Potter's World events.

Event: "Re-connecting to Magic"

Re-connecting to Magic
Wednesday, September 22, 7-9 pm Morgan Room Speaker: Ivan McBeth
Ivan McBeth discovered early on in life that magic is a state we were all born into, a state of wonder and grace. He is excited to give a talk about this awesome mystery that exists, at the same time, inside us all, and all around us. After the talk he will conduct a ceremony to reconnect the children of the world with the magical realms that are their birthright. You are invited to help Ivan make this happen.
Ivan is the founder and head teacher of the Green Mountain Druid Order, a school of magic based in Worcester, Vermont. He builds stone circles such as the 'Earth Clock' in Oakledge Park, Burlington, and is the author of a book called The Crystal Journey. He plays the dijereedoo, throws a mean boomerang, and wears silly hats.

Event: "Reading Harry Potter"

If you love Harry Potter or even just like Harry Potter, then come join the Children's Club at the library's Harry Potter's World exhibit featuring a costume contest and a read-aloud. Prizes will be given for creativity and authenticity. Refreshments!

Monday, September 20, 4-6 pm, MIC Tower Room, Presented by the Champlain College Children's Club.