The "Traveling Librarian" Presents France in Photos

Join reference librarian Jeff Klapes, the “Traveling Librarian,” on Tuesday, June 28, from 6-8 p.m. for a travel lecture focusing on photographs of the Dordogne region of southwestern France and a discussion of the geography and culture of that area.
The program will take place in the Lecture Hall and kicks off Beebe Library’s Summer Reading Program for Adults, called “Novel Destinations.” Reserve your spot by signing up at the Reference Desk, by phone at 781-246-6334 x2, or by e-mail at email@wakefieldlibrary.org.  
The Traveling Librarian will also take you on a trip to Norway in August, again as part of the Novel Destinations Summer Reading Program.
The Dordogne is a particularly beautiful part of southwestern France, named for the river that meanders westward through it to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its many châteaux, brooding over bends in the river, and charming medieval and renaissance towns like Bergerac, Cahors, and Sarlat, and the dramatic pilgrimage site of Rocamadour.

The area is also full of caves with prehistoric artwork, such as the famous one at Lascaux, that remind you just how long human beings have lived in this lush and productive region. Its proximity to the important wine-growing areas of Bordeaux contribute to the locals’ love of fine cuisine, which in this part of France makes good use of duck, truffles, foie gras, walnuts, freshwater fish, and local cheeses.

Travel is broadening, as they say, and it’s a great way to learn more about the world, and the others we share it with. For those who can’t physically travel, books and videos are a way to get the next best thing. There are many different publishers of travel guides, each of which has its own strengths and target audience. The library carries many of the better known series, such as Fodor’s and Frommer’s, which are aimed at the average traveler who wants a certain amount of comfort. Let’s Go and Lonely Planet guides and Moon handbooks, on the other hand, cater to the more adventurous traveler, or the more budget-conscious. Eyewitness and Insight guides place more emphasis on full color photos, drawings, and maps, and provide more in-depth background on a destination, rather than just current listings for hotels and restaurants.

The library also has a number of oversized coffee table books with gorgeous color photography of some of the most beautiful places in the world. In addition, the DVD collection includes a variety of travel DVDs on popular destinations from shows such as Rick Steves, Globe Trekker, and more. Ask a reference librarian to help you find the right guide for your interests.

So even if you can’t bring yourself to plan a vacation, come see the Traveling Librarian. It takes no effort to curl up with a book and be an armchair traveler, imagining that your cup of tea is actually a glass of local French wine, and your armchair is in a château overlooking a valley in France.