SCOTCH PLAINS — The Scotch Plains Public Library invites the community to attend a talk, discussion and exhibit presented by local caver Carl Heitmeyer. This program will take place at the library next Thursday, May 23, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Mr. Heitmeyer started wild caving in 1990, and soon began to pursue vertical caving, which requires special training and equipment. He has caved in multiple states, as well as in Mexico, Peru, Ireland and Croatia, and has rappelled into deep drops such as Ellison’s Cave, located in the Appalachian Plateaus of Northwest Georgia, and Sótano de las Golondrinas in Mexico.

As a firefighter, Mr. Heitmeyer has participated in several rescues, and remains an active volunteer with the NJ-Initial Response Team.

Mr. Heitmeyer will familiarize attendees with basic cave geology, cave formation and the resulting cave environment. He also will cover cave preparedness, attire, gear, safety and rescue.

The audience will learn what it is like to explore limestone caves, and get to see some vertical cave gear equipment.

Registration for this program is requested but not required.

For more information or to register, go to www.scotlib.org, email library@scotlib.org or call (908) 3225007, extension no. 204. The Scotch Plains Public Library is located at 1927 Bartle Avenue.