FPL and WHOI Host 2022 Community Read And Events
For the first time ever, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Falmouth Public Library are joining up for a Community Read running now through June 11.
The book chosen is “Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea,” by Dr. Edith Widder. The community read is part of Dispatches from an Ocean Planet: A Celebration of Film and Literature, presented by the Yawkey Foundation and WHOI.
“Below the Edge of Darkness takes readers deep into our planet’s oceans as Dr. Widder pursues her questions about one of the most important and widely used forms of communication in nature. In the process, she reveals hidden worlds and a dazzling menagerie of behaviors and animals, from microbes to leviathans, many never before seen or, like the legendary giant squid, never before filmed in their deep-sea lairs. Alongside Dr. Widder, we experience life-and-death equipment malfunctions and witness breakthroughs in technology and understanding, all set against a growing awareness of the deteriorating health of our largest and least understood ecosystem.”
WHOI and the library will host a series of events to go along with the read.
Inner-Space Aliens with Larry Madin
On Wednesday, May 11, from 3 to 4 PM, WHOI’s Larry Madin will present Inner-Space Aliens at the library’s Hermann Foundation Meeting Room. Organisms of Earth’s inner space—the oceans—are so alien in appearance and behavior to what most people know. Complete with video, presentation, and a question-and-answer session, this will be the first in a series of events based around the reading of Dr. Widder’s book.
Dr. Madin is the deputy director emeritus and senior science advisor at WHOI, where he started as a postdoctoral student in 1974.
Below the Edge of Darkness Book Discussion with Allan Adams
On Wednesday, May 25, adjunct oceanographer Allan Adams will conduct a Zoom discussion of Dr. Widder’s book “Below the Edge of Darkness.” The discussion will begin at 7 PM.
Copies of Dr. Widder’s book are available at the library or for purchase at Eight Cousins and the WHOI bookstore.
Dr. Adams is an adjunct oceanographer in the Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering Department at WHOI.
”Below the Edge of Darkness” Book Discussion with Dana Yoerger
Dana Yoerger will host a second book discussion of Dr. Widder’s book “Below the Edge of Darkness” on Wednesday, June 1, from 3 to 4 PM in the Falmouth Library’s Hermann room. Dr. Yoerger is a senior scientist at WHOI and a researcher in marine robotics.
Edie Widder Book Reading and Signing
Dr. Widder will read passages on Saturday, June 11, from 1 to 2:30 PM in the library’s Hermann room for a select reading from “Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea.” The reading will be followed by a short question and answer period and then a book-signing. Copies of “Below the Edge of Darkness” will be available for purchase by Eight Cousins at the event.
Edie Widder Ocean Explorer — A Conversation
Dr. Widder will host a talk on her book as the final event as part of the community read. The one-hour event will be held in the WHOI Redfield Auditorium at 4 PM on Saturday, June 11.
After an introduction by Dr. Madin, Dr. Widder will speak with Sam Harp, WHOI’s vice president for advancement, followed by a question and answer period about her book with the audience.
All events are free and appropriate for adults and teens. Registration is required. Go to falmouthpubliclibrary.org/events to register; or contact the reference department at 508-457-2555, extension 7.