Book launch and community celebration for "Why We Stay: Royalton" is Friday, May 23, 5:30-7:30 pm, at the Royalton Memorial Library, 23 Alexander Place, in South Royalton.

Free and open to everyone!

"Why We Stay: Royalton," a project of the Cornish Colony Arts Council, seeks to provide a historical and emotional record of Royalton, Vt., during a time of recovery, change, and continuing traditions. During the summer of 2013, project photographers Chris Cammock and Nathan Larson took over 100 portraits and recorded audio stories of Royalton residents. The results of Cammock and Larson's work is presented through the "Why We Stay: Royalton" print book and also through the project's website at whywestay.com/royalton-vermont.