Maine events

Inveterate traveller Mr Gnome is in the north-eastern corner of the United States visiting the (comfortably small) community of Camden, Maine.

He's rapidly falling under the spell of this ultra-charming small town, vividly coming to life with the arrival of a very late (to Mr G) spring.

Camden, a former mill town, is now a summer resort: yachty and boaty. But with plenty of pottering pleasures for landlubbers.

Mr G is particularly impressed by the splendour of the Camden Public Library (top right), a vibrant witness to our American cousins' passion for 'open access' to high-quality educational opportunities for all. The top-floor reading room is as sumptuously appointed as a London club. And why not?

Off the fence?

Back in Blighty after his autumnal foray to the United States, Mr Gnome reflects on the momentous choice facing his American friends.

Having once lived and worked in the USA (in Mrs Palin's home state, to be precise), the HB has retained a lively interest in the affairs of our transatlantic friends and allies.

Somehow this year's election seems particularly important - for the USA and for the whole world.

Not being a citizen, Mr G and the HB are reluctant to say: 'Vote this way, or that way.'

But we do urge our readers (if we have any!) to give a thoughtful perusal to this persuasive piece from this week's New Yorker.