In November 1894 - exactly 130 years ago - Frances Glessner held the first session of her Monday Morning Reading Class, a tradition which would continue for the next 36 years.

This special session of the class, believed to be the first held since 1930, will take place in the library and will be led by Executive Director and Curator, William Tyre. The class will be reviewing Arthur Meeker’s novel, Prairie Avenue, published in 1949. Meeker was a neighbor of the Glessners in the early 1900s, and used his memories and those of his parents to paint a picture of life on Prairie Avenue in the late 19th century, substituting thinly-veiled fictional characters for the prominent men and women who called the street home.

This special fundraiser, provided by Acts Of Kindness Cabaret, features the talents of Hilary Ann Feldman, Adam Hibma, and Nikki Krzebiot in an evening of storytelling through song.

From primitive man telling stories to today’s songs, books, programs, and films, stories have been a part of the human experience. They have taught us lessons, preserved our histories, and enriched our lives. Through stories about others, we learn about ourselves, we share laughter, and we travel together to other places and times. Have We Got a Story for You! tells tales both familiar and strange, through poets and songwriters from Shakespeare to The Beatles, and everything in between. Join us for adventure, intrigue, laughter, and a bit of happily ever after for all!