You could read a book about Mark Twain, or read a book by Mark Twain, or you can come meet the man – so to speak. In a continuing effort to educate and entertain, a one-man solo performance modeled on Mark Twain will be presented by Mohr Library.

An actor for more than 30 years, Richard W. Clark of Boylston, Mass., performs up to 35 shows a month, bringing historical figures alive.

“Today I may be Mark Twain. Some days I’m Clarence Darrow – other days, Shakespeare, Andrew Carnegie or John Barrymore,” says the actor. He also has new shows portraying Ernest Hemingway and Atticus Finch.

The show, called “And now … Mark Twain,” which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the Johnston Senior Center, will last about an hour. Pre-registration is required by calling the library at 231-4980.

The show is funded through a legislative grant, courtesy of Sen. Christopher Maselli. The same grant will be used to fund an upcoming performance by the “Rhode Island Pirate Players” on Saturday, May 16.

“It’s the first time I’ve booked a solo performance,” said Grayce Moorehead, associate director of the library. “I’d love to have him come back and do Andrew Carnegie when we get the new library open.”

Several of the library’s past adult programs have been so popular that they have been filled to capacity. Others have been offered more than once, including a recent talk by Sheila Manney called “Penny-Pinching: Practical Tips for

Scrimping and Saving.”

Moorehead said she got a letter from a colleague at the Warwick Public Library recommending Clark’s performance and decided to book him.

“One of the things I’ve been trying to do is to incorporate what I know from academic instruction – we give out bibliographic instruction or BIs,” she said. Each sheet lists books available on the program subject at the Mohr Library and lists of “Web sites of interest.”

On the back of each sheet, Moorehead has listed the library’s hours, library programs, computer classes and what online resources are available “24/7” through the library’s Web site. She recommends that anyone interested in a special program register early to be ensured a seat – admission is free.

The sheet also focuses on Internet safety.

Moorehead offers computer classes to small groups and individuals and often gives demonstrations on how to use the library’s online resources.

“We try to get people to use the databases and electronic resources – we can’t buy every medical book out there. The information on the databases is so much better – it offers you scholarly research, but it’s quicker,” she said of one database in particular, called EPSCO, a combination of thousands of journals.

The journal was purchased by the state and is searchable by subject.

Upcoming programs include “Growing Up Italian,” by Dr. Ed Ianuccilli, whose memoir gives a glimpse of what life was like in 1950s Providence (Monday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Johnston Senior Center); “A look at RI’s Firsts, Bests & Uniques,” by Roberta Mudge Humble (Monday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Johnston Senior Center); and “Most Disgusting Fish in the Sea,” a talk by Bob Kenny, professor of oceanography at URI (Tuesday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m., at the Mohr Library).

Other programs will include craft classes, master gardener programs, computer classes, career help and forums on home buying and investments; Moorehead also welcomes suggestions.

“I’m trying to make it entertaining and educational – and to throw out info about books and Web sites,” said Moorehead. “We’re a combination of a traditional library – everything patrons expect – and also of 21st century librarianship. I think of the library as lifelong learning for adults – and I am a 21st-century librarian.”

She said she made adult programming her focus after finding the library’s offerings lacking.

For a complete list of adult programming sponsored by Mohr Library, visit the Web site at www.mohrlibrary.org.