Two intriguing history programs and a fabulous book sale highlight happenings at the library next week.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, the library presents a historical documentary, “The American Experience: Alexander Hamilton.” Anyone interested in the founding of the United States, or impressed by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking Broadway play “Hamilton,” will enjoy this video.

Hamilton was the embodiment of the American dream — precocious, self-made, an immigrant.

The legacy of his short life is immense.

Along with James Madison, and John Jay, he authored The Federalist Papers, a collection of 85 articles and essays written under the pseudonym “Publius” to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution.

As first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton was architect of America’s economy. He rescued the young country from bankruptcy after the Revolutionary War, creating the first national bank and establishing a national currency.

He helped establish the Coast Guard, and laid the groundwork for Wall Street.

He was loathed and feared by two presidents.

His inflexibility fractured a party.

His personal indiscretions dashed his hopes of leading the nation.

However, before he died a notorious death in a duel with Aaron Burr, Hamilton was the most powerful man in America next to George Washington and arguably the most significant person in American history who never served as president.

The two-hour PBS special, “The American Experience: Alexander Hamilton,” brings to life this great American.

This program is free and open to the public. Please register to attend.

For those who want to learn more about Hamilton, there is a display of library materials about him on the table in front of the circulation desk

Thursday, The Local History Potluck dinner program features Centre College historian Andrew Patrick speaking about “Green Fiber in the Bluegrass: Hemp in Central Kentucky History.”

The potluck dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m.

Patrick’s talk will trace the long history of hemp in Kentucky. His presentation will cover more than 250 years starting with the landscape that greeted the first white settlers to the region and following the story of hemp into the 21st Century.

Unpacking the history behind one of Kentucky’s most important crops, the talk will emphasize the environmental effects of the plant, its significance to the institution of slavery and its evolving influence on the Commonwealth’s politics.

From planting seeds to manufacturing finished goods, from Henry Clay to Mitch McConnell, all aspects of hemp culture in Kentucky will be open for discussion.

If you want to attend the dinner, please bring a dish. If you prefer to just hear the program, arrive a few minutes before 7 p.m. Either way, please register to attend by calling the library at 744-5661 or by using the Evanced online registration system at www.clarkbooks.org.

Book lovers are urged to attend the one-day Library Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 27.

Thousands of weeded Library books and patron donations will be on sale for only $3 per bag. The library will provide the bags.

There will be fiction, nonfiction, adult and children’s books. Fill as many bags as you like and pay only $3 per bag. Wow! Right? Top that Prime Day!

Other programs next week?

— At 11 a.m. Monday, All Over the Page Book Group discusses “The Night Olivia Fell”

by Christina McDonald. When her pregnant daughter is rendered brain dead from a fall and placed on life support to help the baby survive, a grieving mother notices suspicious injuries and resolves to uncover the truth. Books are available at the circulation desk.

— At 2 p.m. Monday, Chair Yoga taught by Kathy Howard, a certified yoga

instructor with Yoga Alliance. There is a $5 fee per class.

— At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show presents a 2019 film about a pair of teenagers with cystic fibrosis who meet in a hospital and fall in love, though their disease means they must avoid close physical contact. Rated PG-13.

— At 7 p.m. Wednesday, reference librarian Jeff Gurnee delivers trivia challenges stickier than hot cheese at the Engine House Pizza Pub.

— At 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Gentle Yoga taught by Kathy Howard, a certified yoga

instructor with Yoga Alliance. There is a $5 fee per class.

— At 10 a.m. Friday, Write Local. Writing the flourishes and nourishes.

— At 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. Be prismatic.

Scoff at heat waves and torrential rains with a good book from the Library.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.