AUGUSTA —  Author Kate McCarty will read from and discusses her newest book, “Distilled In Maine: A History of Libations, Temperance & Craft Spirits,” which details the evolution of Maine’s relationship with alcohol – from its earliest access to New England rum, through prohibition and on to contemporary artisanal brewing across the state. This program, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at 6:30 in the Community Room.

McCarty is a blogger and community educator from Monkton, Maryland. She teaches food preservation at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. She blogs about Maine food at The Blueberry Files (www.blueberryfiles.com) and has written food and drink features for several alt-weeklies and magazines. She is the co-founder of the Portland Spirits Society, a women’s whiskey appreciation club, and is also the author of “Portland Food: The Culinary Capital” of Maine. She lives in Portland with her boyfriend and their two cats.

 Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop St. in Augusta. For more information, call the library at 626-2415 or visit lithgow.lib.me.us.