MERRIMAC — Local author and musician Cidny Bullens will be visiting the Merrimac Public Library this Thursday to share his story of inspiration and resiliency as well as some of his hit tunes.
“He just has so much to offer on so many fronts, that I’m very excited to meet him in person and I think it’ll be an amazing evening,” Youth Services Librarian Tracy Shaw said.
The library will be hosting Bullens from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the library’s community meeting room.
A Grammy award winning singer and songwriter, the West Newbury Native is also the author of a memoir titled “TransElectric: My Life as a Cosmic Rock Star,” which he will be reading from during his visit.
After struggling with gender identity for most of his life, Bullens transitioned from Cindy to Cidny at the age of 61, following a three decade career as a female singer/songwriter.
Shaw said the idea to have the author’s memoir at the library was first brought up by a volunteer who went to school with Bullens.
“It’s just such an amazing story,” Shaw said.
The book was then brought to her attention, which led to her asking Bullens to make an appearance at the library.
“He was immediately responsive,” Shaw said.
Shaw said she found many things fascinating about Bullens story.
“Not only his professional music journey, but also his personal journey with his gender identity,” Shaw said.
She said that his story not only provides inspiration but also teaches resilience.
“Sid has gone through being married, having two children, losing a child to cancer, struggling to make it big as a musician and being heard and recognized for what he has to offer to, while also representing the queer community,” Shaw said.
Asked about what folks should expect, she said in addition to reading from his memoir Bullens will also provide music.
“He is also going to weave through that talk, playing some of his most notable music acoustically,” Shaw said.
She thanked the Friends of the Merrimac Public Library for funding the visit.
“The friends of the library are invaluable with the support that they give the library for our programming. We wouldn’t be able to do a lot of stuff we do without them,” Shaw said.
Copies of Bullens book will be available for sale. To register to attend visit the library’s events calendar at merrimaclibrary.org.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.