It's in the Blood
Chris Millspaugh and Jean Swartling
Thursday, September 1, 7:00 pm

Chris Millspaugh, Regional History Librarian for The Community Library, and Jean Swartling, a volunteer in the Regional History Department, have collaborated on a fascinating history of the Kilpatrick brothers who helped settle the West with their efforts in railroad construction, mining, ranching, farming, and real estate.

The brothers founded three towns, including Picabo, Idaho where descendants Bud and Nick Purdy continue to run the family's Picabo Livestock Ranch. The book is a vivid account, enhanced with over 150 photographs and illustrations of the brothers lives chronicling their contributions to the forming of the West in the years following the Civil War.

Brothers Bud and Nick Purdy will be on hand for the event, and Chris Millspaugh and Jean Swartling will be available to sign copies of their book.

Related Links:

• Regional History Department Information about the resources available in the Library's Regional History Department, including a searchable text database.

[Top]

America, Spirituality, & 9/11
John P. Avlon
Monday, September 5, 7:00 pm

Noted columnist and author John Avlon, who survived 9/11 in NYC only to write what was acclaimed as the "single best essay written in the wake of 9/11," will speak at the Community Library on the unacknowledged spiritual response to the attacks and the still unmet challenges we face at home and abroad four years into the so-called war on terror. Avlon was a witness to the minor miracles of self sacrifice during that horrific day and wrote or edited the 343 eulogies for the fallen police officers and fire fighters.

Known for his book Independent Nation: How the Vital Center is Changing American Politics, and his inspirational speeches on centrism, he recently spoke before 100 mayors who gave him a standing ovation! Avlon believes that most Americans remain in the center between the anger of the radical right and liberal left of politics, and that the best politicians of the present and past have moved this nation ahead by appealing to that vital center.

Chapter One Bookstore will bring copies of his book Independent Nation, recently released in paperback, and The Resilient City (essays on 9/11, including his award-winning essay), for sale, signed by the author, immediately after the talk.

• Independent Nation.org The web site about the book and centrism.
• On Political Centrists and Independents An essay by John Avlon written for the Radical Middle Newsletter.

[Top]

Ernest Hemingway Festival Lecture

[D] Ernest Hemingway in Idaho
Chris Millspaugh, Regional History Librarian
Friday, September 23, 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm

The Community Library joins in celebrating the Ernest Hemingway Festival with a multimedia presentation by Chris Millspaugh, the Regional History Librarian for the Library. Millspaugh will focus on Hemingway's life in Idaho, including little known anecdotes from his contemporaries and many never published historical photos.

The Regional History Department contains a wealth of information on the history of Ketchum, Sun Valley, and the surrounding area, including print material, photographs, and other items related to Ernest Hemingway and his life in Sun Valley and Ketchum.

Related Links:

• Ernest Hemingway Festival Information including event schedules and more from the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber & Visitor's Bureau.
• Regional History Department Information about the resources available in the Library's Regional History Department. Historical images and other information about items in the collection can be found in the library's web catalog.

[Top]

Wood River Valley Reads...
Open Book Group Discussion
This House of Sky by Ivan Doig
Thursday, September 22, 7:00 pm

The Community Library is pleased to host an Open Book Group discussion of Ivan Doig's This House of Sky as a prelude to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in the Wood River Valley.

Community members are invited to read Doig's lyrical and poignant memoir of growing up sheepherding in western Montana. College of Southern Idaho professors will lead this open group discussion to provide context for This House of Sky, to overview Doig's other work, and to prompt literary conversation amongst readers.

Related Links:

• Ivan Doig Online The web site for author Ivan Doig.
• Trailing of the Sheep Festival Information about the Trailing of the Sheep Festival including a schedule of events .
• Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber and Visitor's Bureau Coming events, lodging and dining information, and more about local businesses and vacation opportunities.

[Top]

The Great Books Book Club
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Wednesday, September 28, 7:00 pm

September's selection for the Great Books Book Club is John Milton's Paradise Lost. The Great Books Book Club focuses on the great books that shaped western civilization and meets monthly. All are invited to join in the discussions.

• John Milton Reading Room A site at Dartmouth University dedicated to the works of John Milton and including online text of Paradise Lost.
• John Milton  Brief biography and bibliography from the Columbia Encyclopedia at Bartleby.com.

[Top]

Home | Hours & Location | Events | Gold Mine | Children's Room | Reference | Regional History
Parents Page | Dial-A-Story | Catalog | FAQ

Updated 21 September 2005

We Welcome Your Comments And Suggestions
Contact Us