Library Hosts “OC Reads” Events

By MADDY VITALE The Ocean City Free Public Library chose “The Butterfly’s Daughter” by Mary Alice Monroe for its 2022 book and a series of events are in full swing to celebrate and discuss the novel. “The committee felt that this book had so much to offer to our community and would prompt meaningful discussion and learning,” explained Adult Programming Librarian Julie Howard. The "OC Reads" events are in the library, 1735 Simpson Ave. inside the Community Center. Some of the topics include the Mexican heritage and culture of the main character and her family, and how the migration of the monarch butterflies is woven into the story, Howard said. On Tuesday night, the library staff hosted a monarch-tagging demo. And on Wednesday, a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture will be held at 6:30 p.m. Speakers, music, food and crafts are planned. On Monday, Oct. 17, visitors to the library get a chance to meet with the author for a book signing, talk and Q&A. Books will be available for purchase. “We encourage the community to get involved and participate in our OC Reads program by reading the book The Butterfly’s Daughter, attending the events in the series, and joining us in the celebration of reading,” Howard said. The events are designed to offer ways the community may learn and discuss different aspects of the book, Howard noted. “Participants enjoyed the first two events in the series, which included a book discussion, as well as a butterfly presentation where audience members learned about butterflies and then got to design their own T-shirts to take home,” Howard said. For more information about the Ocean City Free Public Library, visit Ocean City Free Public Library (oceancitylibrary.org)