Cary Library presents ‘Silent Spring: 50 Years Later’

Cornerstones of Science, a Maine-based non-profit organization, announced a year-end celebration in recognition of the 50th anniversary of Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” a classic in science literature and often named most influential book of the 20th century. Cary Library will host the streamed lecture and discussion, “Silent Spring: 50 Years Later,” on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 7-9 p.m.
In honor of Carson’s significant legacy to the environmental movement and science journalism, the evening will open with a presentation by Bridget Besaw, a Portland-based author and photographer. Besaw, an “environmental documentarian” who chronicles the interrelationship between people and nature through her striking images, will share a 15-minute slideshow and readings from Carson’s work.
Following the opening, Jennifer Rooks, host of MPBN’s Maine Watch will facilitate a panel discussion to explore the impacts and implications of “Silent Spring” then and now. Maine scientists and scholars include: Paul Anderson, Maine Sea Grant – Current issues, including climate change and fisheries; Susan Shaw, Marine Environmental Research Institute – Marine toxicology, policy issues today; Elisabeth Stokes, Colby College – Life and legacy of Rachel Carson from the literary perspective; John Wise, University of Southern Maine Wise Lab – Latest research in human and marine health; and Ben Twining, Bigelow Lab – Fifty years of ocean science, challenges then and now.
For more information, call Cary Library at 532-1302.