Join Karen Hynds as she recounts an incredible ‘trip of a lifetime.’ In September 2011, 11 women, aged 56 to 78, made a 9 day climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 19,340 feet, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest point in Africa.

The Morris Community High School Madrigal Singers will present a program of Christmas music on Thursday, November 10 at 6 p.m. in the library’s lower level. Directed by Alyssa Napolitano, the MCHS Madrigals wear colorful Renaissance-era costumes and sing traditional Christmas songs. Madrigal music originated in Italy and became popular in England during the 1500s. Friends of the Library volunteers will serve punch and homemade cookies after the performance. The performance is free and open to all, but registration is required. To register for this program or to learn more, please call the Morris Library at (815) 942-6880.

This special event brings the excitement of the Middle Ages to Morris!  Join us for an afternoon of fun and excitement as several medieval performers entertain and inform you of life in days of yore:

* Lady Joan welcomes you to the faire, poses for portraits with faire-goers, and tells the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.
* The wandering Jester juggles and performs magic for your delight.
* The Falconer and the birds of prey explain the importance of falconry in the Middle Ages.

Three cheers for Sir Randall!  This noble knight is visiting the library on Tuesday, July 12 and is looking forward to meeting the lads and lasses of the city of Morris in the shire of Grundy.  Sir Randall wears a mid-15th Century replica "harness," or suit of armour, and speaks about a knight's training and equipment.  Audience volunteers help illustrate the progression of armour and the affects of weapons which were designed to penetrate them.

Please join us for an all-ages musical event!  Dan Marcotte and Judith Heineman beautifully meld music and stories from the days of King Arthur and Robin Hood. Songs and tales of mythical creatures, faerie magic, clever maidens and pirates are presented in authentic Renaissance costume. Daniel also sings lute songs and ballads of the Renaissance, and discusses the role of the bard throughout early modern Europe.

The Morris Area Public Library is going medieval!  The 2011 Summer Reading Program theme is "A Midsummer Knight's Read."  Join us every week for exciting events, demonstrations, plays, crafts, and more that shed light on the Middle Ages.

Children of all ages will enjoy this retelling of an Arthurian tale!  Players from Joliet Junior College present the story of Sir Gawain, one of Arthur's most gallant knights, and Lady Ragnall, an old hag, as they prepare to be married to save King Arthur from certain death at the hands of the Black Knight.  Is Gawain noble enough to keep his word?  Will Arthur defeat the Black Knight?  Join us at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 15 to find out!

Register now for "A Midsummer Knight's Read"!  Reading programs are available for all ages.  Please register by visiting the library during business hours from June 13 through June 18.

The Grundy County Corn Festival Art Show will be held in the lower level of the library during the library's regular hours from Wednesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 1.  Information about the Art Show and other Corn Festival activities may be found at http://cornfestival.org/.