Never Stop Learning, a history group that discusses various topics at the Wareham Free Library each month, will explore the South Pole on Tuesday, October 23, at 1:30 p.m.

Explorers Capt. James Cook, James Clark Ross, Ernest Shackleton, and Roald Amundsen will be discussed.

History buff Jerry Ciarcia, who hosts Never Stop Learning, noted Shackleton has a particularly memorable story. On a journey around Antarctica, Shackleton's ship became stuck in ice and was crushed. All of Shackleton's men were trapped, but the explorer managed to get help, and no lives were lost.

The discussion will also deal with some of the "cold facts" about the South Pole, Ciarcia said. For example, the South Pole is colder than the North Pole because of its mountains. Temperatures can hit approximately 80 degrees below 0.

"It's the loneliest place on Earth," Ciarcia noted. "Only the researchers bother with it!"

There aren't many humans, but there are seals, albatross, and penguins. Ciarcia will discuss some of the main penguin species.

All are welcome to attend the discussion. The Wareham Free Library is located at 59 Marion Road.