The once-a-month special event, First Friday Stories For Grownups, is set for the first Friday of the months in season at the Sanibel Public Library. Since our new year 2010 drops that first Friday on a big holiday – Jan. 1 – this month, we’re going to meet on the following Friday, Jan. 8.

Join us for Stories for Grownups at 2 p.m. at the library, located at 770 Dunlop Road. This month, the featured storyteller is Dr. Sidney B. Simon, Professor Emeritus from the University of Massachusetts, and an internationally known authority in Psychological Education.

Author of 15 books in the areas of Values Clarification, Getting Unstuck and Forgiveness, Simon is also the author of two childrens’ books, written for his own kids when they were little. W.W. Norton published them in the late 1960s.

Simon has appeared on various talk show programs, including Oprah and the Phil Donahue Show. He tells good stories because he is witty and wise, and he also has the knack for drawing stories from people in the audience. That’s half the fun, and half the program. Come and just listen, or come with a story you might get a chance to tell.

It’s a friendly place to be. You will be greeted by two story lovers, Beth Gillis and Sylvia Chamberlain, members of the Stories For Grownups Committee. Arrive early – some months, it gets to be standing room only. Call the library if you have any questions at 472-2483.