Recollections of World War II and the impact of the war on Saratoga Springs were among the themes explored in two events offered by Saratoga Reads and its community partners. The events, open to the public, drew on themes from the current Saratoga Reads book of choice, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Spring Street Gallery (119 Spring St.), the Saratoga Vital Aging Network (SVAN) offered a discussion of Guernsey with a focus on the book’s theme of resiliency and bonding in times of adversity. The organizers encouraged participants to share their own stories and extended a special invitation to veterans and others who experienced World War II.

The Friends of the Saratoga Springs Library offered a discussion titled “Saratoga Goes to War” on Sunday, March 14, in the library’s Dutcher Community Room. Experts in local history offered accounts of how life in the Spa City was affected by the war and shared stories of men and women from the region who served their country. Community members wer invited to share their memories and to bring letters, photos, and other memorabilia.

Panelists for the library event included Wayne Clark, of the New State Military Museum; Eugene Corsale, co-founder of the Saratoga County Honor Our Deceased Veterans program; Mary Ann Fitzgerald, city historian; and Lesley Leduc, public affairs coordinator for Yaddo. The panel was moderated by Maria McBride Bucciferro, managing editor of Saratoga Living magazine and president of Friends of the Library.