Everyone’s Irish This March at the Groton Public Library

There won’t be much silence in the Groton Public Library this March when it brings in Tom O’Carroll, an Irish folk-singer and humorist, to kick-off its month-long program Worlds of Words Ireland 2011.

The program starts with a night of music and humor by O’Carroll at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2.  O’Carroll, originally from Dublin, plays the guitar, a bodhran (an Irish goat-skin drum) and a ‘humble little instrument’ called the tin-whistle, which he described as similar to a penny-whistle.

“It’s got six holes in it. You puff in one end and sometimes, music occurs,” O’Carroll said.

O’Carroll has been sharing songs of his native land since the early 1970s. “It chose me,” he said. “I’m not living unless I’m learning a new song.”

“He’s someone to introduce the culture of Ireland, and he’s going to do it through music and humor,” said Jean Schweid, librarian overseeing the program.

Those attending O’Carroll’s performance are in for “lots of sounds and stories and tunes, little snippets of history and folklore and genealogy,” he said. He also tries to impart the social and historical setting of the songs he sings.

This is the fifth annual Worlds of Words celebration by the library. In previous years, the program has represented countries including India, China and Mexico. The event is normally held in April, but was moved this year to March to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day.

On March 10 and 24, there will be a two-part family program of games, music and stories called “Family Erin Go Bragh” put on by children’s librarian, Sue Palmieri. Registration begins March 3. Families may sign up for one or both programs.

All of the programs are free.

For those interested in photos, there will be a slide show and lecture on Ireland at 7 p.m. on March 23, put on by Jason Neely, librarian at the Russell Library in Middletown, and freelance photographer.  The slide show will showcase the photography and history of Dublin, Cashel and the Aran Islands.

“You can’t always afford to go to these interesting and far away places,” said Schweid. The slide show is “just to whet your appetite.”

Other events include a lecture by professional genealogist Michael Spellmon, on tracing your Irish roots, planned for 7 p.m. on March 16.

The program of events will finish with a step-dancing program at 7 p.m. on March 30 by the Spirited Soles Dance Academy in Oakdale.