By Michael Lynch
MATV Executive Director
Here’s what’s new on MATV this week.
You can view all of the following programs on our Video OnDemand page by clicking here.

A new Milton Historical Society talk by Bob Begin focuses on the roots of the conflict in the Middle East as they relate to World War I, the Arab Revolt, and T. E. Lawrence, famously known in the Western world as Lawrence of Arabia. All at odds over the contested region, the crumbling Ottoman Empire, the Germans, the British and the soon-to-be-liberated Arabs would engage in a struggle that in many ways has yet to be resolved. This look back at a pivotal time in history is currently airing during the Monday Night Forum at 5 p.m. on the Public channel (Comcast 9/RCN 13).
Many of the literary giants of New York City spent a good deal of time in favorite watering holes, sipping on drinks while scribbling in their notebooks. Author Delia Cabe has chronicled these inspirational taprooms in a new book, “Storied Bars of New York: Where Literary Luminaries Go To Drink,” and she was the most recent guest on Suzette Standring’s “It’s All White with Suzette.” Tune in for this libatious deliberation when it airs on the Public channel (Comcast 9/RCN 13) Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 p.m.

It’s time to get festive with Gigi Giraffe and the Kid Crew, as “Actin’ Up with Mel and Gigi Giraffe” celebrates the holidays in a brand new episode. Gigi learns all about the ways different cultures celebrate this time of year (while also showing off her new scarf), the kids show their friends at home how to make some snowman masks out of paper plates, and Mel opens up maybe the biggest viewer mail of all time! Grab some hot cocoa and join in the fun as this episode airs all December long, seven days a week at 3:30 p.m., and Monday through Thursday at 7:30 a.m., all on the Public channel (Comcast 9/RCN 13).

The library is hosting lots of events in December, especially while the kids are off from school around Christmas. Get a breakdown of what the different departments at the MPL have to offer over the next month as the librarians give the lowdown on events and programs for kids, teens and adults. The “Page Turner” library update is currently airing Monday and Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., all on the Public channel (Comcast 9/RCN 13).