Ever wonder if there’s a better way to live, work, and eat? You’re not alone.

In her new book, Foodtopia: Communities in Pursuit of Peace, Love & Homegrown Food, historian and community advocate Margot Anne Kelley shines a light on five food-centric, back-to-the-land utopian movements from the past two centuries. These groups were fueled by deep yearnings for unpolluted water and air, racial and gender equality, for peace, for a less consumerist lifestyle, for a sense of authenticity, for simplicity, for a healthy diet, and for a sustaining connection to the natural world; their efforts inspire young farmers and community advocates today. Copies of the book will be available for purchase following the talk, courtesy of hello hello books. Join us for an illuminating discussion on community and food justice!

Margot Anne Kelley holds a PhD in American Literature and an MFA in Media and Performing Arts. Kelley is the author of two books focused on people in relationship to the natural world, Local Treasures: Geocaching Across America and A Field Guide to Other People’s Trees. She taught at the college level for nearly twenty-five years. Since leaving academia, she served as the editor of The Maine Review and co-founded a community development corporation that runs a food pantry and community garden, among other programs. Kelley lives on the coast of Downeast Maine.

This event will take place in the Community Room and will be livestreamed via Zoom; the Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St. For more information or for Zoom links, please email elewis@rocklandmaine.gov by 4 p.m. on June 29.