“The Happy Memories Club,” from the Lee Smith short story will be presented at the Mount Airy Public Library on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

Starring is Barbara Bates Smith, noted for her adaptation and Off-Broadway performance of “Ivy Rowe” from Lee Smith’s Fair and Tender Ladies, a show now entering its 21st year. Musical accompaniment is by Jeff Sebens.

“The Happy Memories Club” features a feisty retirement center resident on the verge of being kicked out of her writing club; her memories are not happy enough. Instead, they are bold and funny and poignant — and slightly naughty. The story provides a model for Barbara’s postscript, enticing us all to reflect on our own memories.

An “Our Own Stories” workshop will follow the performance. “The Happy Memories Club” will serve as a springboard to participants, whether toward writing a memoir or the pleasure of reminiscing and sharing stories in a supportive group. The workshop will include step-by-step activities using both writing and telling techniques. Participants are asked to bring a treasured object to the workshop.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and is funded in part by a grassroots subgrant from the North Carolina Arts Council. To reserve a seat or more information, call the library at 789-5108.

The actress’s website is www.barbarabatessmith.com.