A lifelong educator and daughter of a librarian and a reading teacher, Julia M. O’Brien-Merrill has firsthand knowledge of the power of reading richly illustrated children’s books to teach about the world. On Saturday, June 24 the author will be at the Southport Memorial Library for an author talk at 10 a.m. Julia will be signing and selling her books.

 

Julia has taught children in Maine, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, and China.

Born in Boston, now living in Maine and retired from teaching English as a second language, she has time to play her violin, practice yoga, downhill ski, study Spanish, Greek and Italian, and travel by land and by sea with her husband David.

In her first book “Charlie on the M.T.A. Did He Ever Return?” Julia has fulfilled both her own and her father’s dream of honoring his commitment to social justice through a book that will teach future generations about a piece of Boston history. 

A timeline at the end of the book has fascinating tidbits of Boston history - and lore of the time-honored folk song - which will enthrall readers young and old.

As a special bonus, local musicians, The Newagen Crew, will provide entertainment with their cover of the Kingston Trio’s “M.T.A.”  

Come and singalong!  Refreshments will be served.

The library is at 1032 Hendricks Hill Road on Southport Island. For more information, visit www.southportlibrary.org and Facebook,