ROCKLAND — The Rockland Public Library and the Rockland Historical Society present Bob Trapani, Jr., Thursday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all.

Join Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation and author of Gleams and Whispers: Maine Lighthouses and Their Allure, for an illustrated program about Maine lighthouses featured in his new book. The presentation is co-sponsored by the Rockland Historical Society and the Rockland Public Library. Following Trapani’s program, attendees will adjourn to the Historical Society’s museum for refreshments, conversation, and an opportunity to purchase Trapani’s book.

Over the last two decades, Bob Trapani has climbed rockweed-covered ledges, stared into the face of northeast gales, and trudged through waist high snow searching for the elusive meaning of lighthouses. Along the way, he has obtained a deep understanding of the sentinels of the sea, as he walked in the steps of bygone keepers, discovering secrets long-held by each light. Trapani has endeavored to capture not just beautiful moments with his camera but his prose delves into the transcendent meaning and symbolism of Maine’s lighthouses.

“The mere presence of a lighthouse points to a higher, altruistic purpose – one that embraces romance, mystery, drama, isolation, dedication, and heroism,” says Trapani, in a news release. “Ask a hundred people what lighthouses mean to them, and it is likely the meanings are as diverse as the people asked. It was not enough for me to simply admire the majestic beauty of lighthouses, I was determined to peel back the layers that exist through a blend of photography and prose.”

This event will take place in the library’s Community Room and will be livestreamed via Zoom; the Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union Street. For more information or for Zoom links, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov by 4 p.m. on June 15.