O'Hara Telling Stories of Returning to Ireland, BHCC Open House, In Their Own Words

• Kevin O'Hara, author of "Lucky Irish Lad" and "Last of the Donkey Pilgrims" will be speaking at the Boston Public Library's Charlestown branch on Monday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. A writer, storyteller and photographer, O'Hara is one of eight children whose parents were born in Ireland and came to this country for a better life. O'Hara grew up in Massachusetts in the 50's and 60's, but was determined to go back to his roots in an effort to discover who his people were who helped shape his life. Presented by the Friends of the Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library, the talk is free and open to all with a book signing and reception following. For more 
information: 617-242-1248,www.bpl.org/branches/charlestown.htm.

• The Bunker Hill Community College is holding an Open House for prospective students on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m. for the opportunity to meet with representatives from admissions, faculty, academic departments, academic advising, LifeMap, Veterans Center and much more. Campus tours and on-the-spot admissions will be ongoing. Light refreshments will be served.

• George W. Emery will give a talk as part of the Lowell Bicentennial Lecture Series on "The Navy Fights the War of 1812: Documents from a Sailor's Collection USS Constitution Museum - Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22 on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at  6 p.m. Using examples from his new book, In their Own Words, Vice Admiral Emery, USN (Ret.) will capture the myriad of emotions spurred by the War of 1812: patriotic fervor, anxiety, the immediacy of the moment, the joy of peace, and more. Reception to follow.