Longtime Carrboro resident and author, Frances Shetley, is set to read from her new book, "Vignettes," at the Drakeford Library Complex. Tapping into her lived history, the 98-year-old former alderwoman will take attendees on a journey through the evolution of the town where she has firmly planted her roots. The book event, as announced by the Town of Carrboro, promises a personal look into the transformation of Carrboro from agrarian beginnings to its modern-day community promise.
The reading is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For those interested in the fabric that weaves together the story of Carrboro, Shetley’s firsthand accounts offer an undeniable connection. According to the Town of Carrboro's website, her stories span from her experiences on her father's farm in Calvander to her civic engagement within the community. Her tenure in the town is also celebrated through the Frances Shetley bike path, honoring her contributions.
Shetley's narrative captures essences of farming life, family dynamics, technological advancements, and her involvement in local governance. The library event not only offers a dive into local history but a chance to witness a storyteller reflect on nearly a century of change. In one of her stories, "Frances and the Pink Bulldozer," Shetley writes, "I know how to make my mark."
Held at 203 S. Greensboro Street in Carrboro, the third-floor gathering space of the library will open its doors to the public for this special occasion. The event is shaping up to be a bridge between the past and present Carrboro, one refreshed with light refreshments and the rich anecdotes of a woman who watched a town grow up around her.
