Red Feather Lakes Community Library update for Sept. 2012

We are saddened this month by the recent passing of two long-time mountain residents, Mary A. Carroll and, recently, Michael Sledge. Mary was for several years a volunteer at Red Feather Lakes Community Library and went to considerable personal effort in preparing new library materials for shelf use. Michael was a well-known social critic, community-minded environmentalist and, to many, friend. Through their absence we are the less.

By Creed Kidd, Library Director

This month we’re pleased to announce the first annual Red Feather Read — an opportunity for the community to support local literacy, the value of reading, and terrific local writing talent. It’s intended as a community experience — selecting a title in common and reading in common towards common understanding and enjoyment. While the library will host this event, we expect that many local organizations will join us in co-sponsoring what should be a significant local literary event.

T. J. Viola — better known locally as Tom Viola — has kindly agreed to participate as our first author. We’ll be reading his first two titles in the Gumshoe Chronicles series, 1920 and 1921. Prohibition-era noir private eye Joey Batista attempts to solve several complex cases but the road is rarely straightforward or clear. Amazon reviews note “tremendously suspenseful,” “action packed,” and “good book and fun read.”

Tom will be joining us in October for a discussion of the titles, a heads-up on where the series is going and a book signing. Everyone invited. More information will be available through the library website (redfeatherlibrary.org) as details congeal.

Speaking of local literary talent, local mountain authors Wayne and Terry Baltz will present a workshop at the library Tuesday Sept. 11, from 1 to 2 p.m. entitled “Bringing Story to Life: the Art of Turning Fact or Fiction into Truth” as intriguing a topic as we’ve seen in recent memory here. The Baltz’s are the authors of five books, including a Colorado Book Award-recognized memoir. Don’t miss this great program and the opportunity to meet this talented couple. A book signing follows the main program. Pre-registration not necessary.

Finally, we’re going to wind down this month by discussing eBooks. They’re discussed everywhere and many of you have asked about them and for them at the library. This is a service that we look forward to offering as a great compliment to our print collection and our current downloadable audiobook collection. However, as many new services tend to be, eBooks are neither easy, inexpensive or of ready utility. More on this next month.

Need library assistance in any fashion? Contact us at 970-881-2664 or [email protected].

In Ruth’s Gallery for September: first-time exhibitor Steve Cummings displays woodworking and small furniture.