Flenniken Library presents "Pushing the Limits"

Flenniken Library is one of only 20 American libraries to be selected by the National Science Foundation to host a free, four-part reading, viewing and discussion series for adults called Pushing the Limits. 

The series will explore topics of current interest in discussions that will include feature film-quality videos and recommended popular books. The overarching theme is one of real people, real stories and real science.   The group will meet at the library for four sessions from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on March 6, April 3, May 1, and June 5 (Wednesdays) and will be co-hosted by Flenniken librarian Jessica Miller and Dr. Gregg Gould, a Professor of Department of Chemistry and Physics at California University of Pennsylvania.

Since the beginning of time, humans have imagined and discovered ways to push the boundaries of the physical world.  We want to be stronger, smarter, and more aware, and we create stories to bring those dreams to life.  Many of those stories are no longer just stories; and with great new advances in science and technology, we are finding ways in which all of us are able to push the limits every day.    

Pushing the Limits will explore how, with new advances in science and technology, we are finding ways in which all of us are able to push the limits. Participants will read and discuss popular topics, including ‘Survival’ featuring Arctic Drift by Clive Cussler, ‘Connection’ featuring Thunderstruck by Eric Larson, ‘Knowledge’ featuring The Land of Painted Caves by Jean Auel, and ‘Nature’ featuring When the Killing’s Done by T.C. Boyle.  The Pushing the Limits program registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.  The program is free and open to the public. Participants will receive their own copies of the books featured in Pushing the Limits.  To register, contact the library at (724) 966-5263 before February 25th.  Light refreshments will be served.

Flenniken Public Library is a pilot site to host the series that will be extended to 100 more rural libraries in the U.S. in the future.  A team of library professionals, scientists, and filmmakers has developed the program. Their organizations include Dartmouth College, the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, the Califa Group (a California-based library consortium), Dawson Media Group and Oregon State University-- with generous funding from the National Science Foundation. It offers an occasion to bring diverse groups together at the library to discuss how we as humans have imagined and achieved ways to push the boundaries of the physical world. 

Library hours:

Monday-Thursday      10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday  -Saturday        10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Renew books, place holds, and do research 24/7 on the library’s website: www.flenniken.org.