Folktales & Fairytales top next week’s Lifetime Learning offerings

A course on “Folktales and Fairytales: The Stories That Shaped Us” leads the next round of Lifetime Learning programs offered by the Friends of Snow Library. On Monday, Nov. 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., scholar Mike McCartney delves into Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Hansel & Gretel and other well-known tales, shedding light on how they evolved and helping us understand the significance of some key character types. The course continues on Nov. 10 and concludes on Nov. 17 when the cast and crew of the Academy Playhouse’s Into the Woods will contribute their talents to the discussion.

Tuesday, Nov. 4 brings Ron Peterson, chair of the Orleans Historical Commission, to examine the influence of two Barnstable siblings on the ideological foundations of the American Revolution. His course, “James Otis & Mercy Otis Warren: Architects of American Revolutionary Thought,” takes place from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

On Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., John Whelan talks about “The Pioneers of Rock & Roll,” focusing on the artists inducted into the first class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Pianist Peter Gaines and vocalist Denise Page (on Nov. 12 only) will perform many of the beloved tunes of the era. The course continues on Nov. 12 and 19.

Kerry Brown resumes his exploration of the limits of tragedy through Shakespeare on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. In “Shakespeare’s King Lear: The Ultimate Tragedy,” he uses two productions of the play as a way to understand the reasons behind Shakespeare’s decisions as well as to consider what contributes to the play’s undeniable power. The course continues on Nov. 12 and 19.

Other continuing courses next week include Steve and Jeff Bornemeier’s Novels & Ideas series with a discussion of Paolo Coehlo’s “The Alchemist” on Wednesday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Joe Auciello concludes his examination of Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. And later on Thursday, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., Joe Marcio picks up his discussion of “Great Composers from Russia, Scandinavia and France,” focusing on the lives and musical influences of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Mussorgsky, Grieg, Sibelius, Debussy and Ravel.

All classes are available via Zoom and all are offered in person at the Snow Library. All are recorded and registered participants will receive a Zoom link to the class recording for future viewing.

Registration is ongoing. Complete course information and registration forms are available online at www.friendsofsnowlibrary.org/lifetime-learning-program as well as at Snow Library, many local libraries, and councils on aging. To receive a Zoom link in time, register at least 24 hours before the class. If you are coming in person to the Craine Room at the library and have not pre-registered, you may also register at the door. The suggested donation is $10 per course.