Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa speaks with Diane and Dick Moore of Heuvelton at the Canton library.

Canton Free Library's inaugural "Living Library," held this past weekend, included a wide variety of North Country speakers.

The event gave people a chance to hear from and visit with a selection of interesting people from the North Country and have one-on-one conversations in a relaxed, informal setting.

Those who were available for conversation included Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, Varick Chittenden, retired professor of humanities at SUNY Canton, Alan Leo, a Sustainable Economic Development Consultant, Dr. Karen Johnson-Weiner, an expert in the culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch and the Amish and Mennonite people, Tom and Nellie Coakley, Vietnam Veterans, Frank Palumbo, a martial arts teacher and writer, and Dr. Ronald Tavernier, professional ice carver and wildlife biologist

"I jump at every chance I get to speak directly with community members," Russell said. "This event is special and I was proud to take part in the Canton Free Library's first Living Library."