EVENTS CALENDAR
Below is a list of events associated with 2018 Read Me Treasure Valley. Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.
February
Read Me Kick-Off
Thursday, 10:00 a.m., February 1, Idaho Black History Museum, 508 Julia Davis Dr., Boise
Join Valley dignitaries and fellow readers as we officially kick off this year’s read, Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel, The Underground Railroad. Learn about the Idaho Black History Museum and hear a little about the book and the value of a community-wide read. Enter a drawing for a free copy.
Underground Railroad – Preschool Storytime
Monday, 10:30 a.m., February 5, Star Branch Library, 10706 W. State St., Star
Join us for a storytime filled with stories of the Underground Railroad, trains and lots of fun. Ages 3-5.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Monday, 1:00 p.m., February 5, Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
All are invited to join the Afternoon Book Club in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Curious Cubs Storytime: Celebrating You and Me
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., February 7, Meridian Library District, Cherry Lane, 1326 W. Cherry Lane
Join us for this special storytime that will focus on books about differences, self-worth, and diversity.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., February 8, Eagle Public Library, 100 N. Stierman Wy., Eagle
All are invited to join the Second Thursday Bookclub in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Freedom Quilt Afterschool Program
Friday, 4:00 p.m., February 9. Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
Hear a story and learn brief history of the Underground Railroad, then work on a quilt related craft to take home.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Saturday, 10:00 a.m., February 10, Star Branch Library, 10706 W State St., Star
All are invited to join the Beyond the Book Club in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Kindergarten Readiness – Unspoken and the Underground Railroad
Monday, 10:00 a.m., February 12, Garden City Public Library, 6015 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
Our regular Kindergarten Readiness program will have a unique focus this week including a storytime featuring Unspoken and special activities centered around diversity and the many different types of people in the world.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., February 13, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
All are invited to join the Second Thursday Bookclub in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Colson Whitehead Reception and Reading
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. February 13, Beside Bardenay, 612 W Grove St., Boise
7:00 p.m. The Egyptian Theater, 700 W Main St, Boise
Tickets for Readings & Conversations with Colson Whitehead on February 13th are sold out, but rush tickets may be available at the Egyptian Theatre box office on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:30 PM. If you would like the opportunity to meet and greet the author of the endlessly-award-winning Underground Railroad join The Cabin at Beside Bardenay at 5 PM the night of the lecture. Tickets are $20 for Cabin members (please call for code!), $25 for non-members and includes appetizers.
Celebration of African American History – Preschool Storytime
Thursday, 10:00 a.m., February 15, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
Preschoolers and their parents/caregivers will get in on some Read Me action through African American stories.
Underground Railroad: Myths Busted!
Thursday, 4:00 p.m., February 15, Star Branch Library, 10706 W. State St., Star
Join us as we bust some of the myths surrounding the Underground Railroad. Plot your route to freedom, create a secret sign or symbol for fugitive slaves, guess how many slaves escaped on the Underground Railroad. All ages. Families welcome.
Trains and Railroads – Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., February 21, Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
The Underground Railroad is introduced to preschoolers and their parents/caregivers through stories of trains and railroads.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Thursday, 2:00 p.m., February 22, Garden City Public Library, 6015 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
All are invited to join us in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
13th: Film Screening and Discussion
February 22, 6 p.m. Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
Ava DuVernay's 13th explores the American prison system, the prison-industrial complex, and the history of racial inequality in the United States. Join us for a screening of the 2017 Emmy award-winning documentary, following by a thoughtful discussion.
Celebration of African American History – Preschool Storytime
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., February 27, Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
Preschoolers and their parents/caregivers will get in on some Read Me action through African American stories.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Tuesday, 6:00 p.m., February 27, Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
All are invited to join the Evening Book Club in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Celebration of African American History – Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., February 28, Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
Preschoolers and their parents/caregivers will get in on some Read Me action through African American stories.
Underground Railroad Afterschool Program
Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., February 28. Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
Using game play, we’ll learn about the “Underground Railroad,” a path to freedom for Southern slaves. Designed for ages 6-11.
March
Preschool Storytime: Designing a Freedom Quilt
Thursday, 10:00 a.m., and 2:30 p.m., March 1, Meridian Library District, Cherry Lane, 1326 W. Cherry Lane
Do you like puzzles? After this special Preschool Storytime design your own Freedom Quilt to send your secret message.
The Underground Railroad: A Discussion
Sunday, 2:00 p.m., March 4, Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
All are invited to join us in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
American Blues Music
Sunday, 4:00 p.m., March 4, Sapphire Room, Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City
Blues music has its roots in African American spirituals and field songs. Spend a winter afternoon in a great venue, listening to Boise Blues Society musicians play blues/roots music and share some related spoken word. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Abolitionist, Novelist, Remarkable American Woman
Monday, 7:00 p.m., March 5 Rediscovered Bookshop, 180 N 8th St., Boise
Barbara Meldrum, Professor Emerita of English at the University of Idaho, introduces us to a woman whose antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, shook the nation. Stowe, a teacher and writer from a family of preachers, used her pen to express the truths her heart dictated. Lincoln, during the Civil War, is said to have greeted her by asking, “Are you the little lady who made this big war?”Living long after Lincoln’s untimely death, she and her husband wintered in Florida, teaching and preaching to former slaves, trying to help them thrive in their newfound freedom. Through slides of people, places, and books, Meldrum shares Stowe’s numerous experiences and accomplishments.
Meridian Bookmobile: Underground Railroad
March 5th-9th, during Bookmobile hours, visit https://www.mld.org/outreach for a full schedule of stops.
Visit the Meridian Library District Bookmobile during the week of March 5th-9th to explore Underground Railroad activities!
Navigating by the Stars
Thursday, 4:30 p.m., March 7, Star Branch Library, 10489 W. Lake Hazel Rd., Boise
Amy Truksa, with the College of Idaho Planetarium, and Phillip Thompson, of the Idaho Black History Museum, will share information about how it was possible for escaped slaves to navigate by the stars.
Navigating by the Stars
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 7, Lake Hazel Branch Library, 10706 W. State St., Star
Amy Truksa, with the College of Idaho Planetarium, and Phillip Thompson, of the Idaho Black History Museum, will share information about how it was possible for escaped slaves to navigate by the stars.
Fenced In or Fenced Out? American Diversity in a Racist Century
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 8, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
Join historian Betti VanEpps-Taylor as she examines today's polarizing and divisive "identity politics," as just the latest chapter in a long history of internal and world-wide upheavals that periodically require Americans to re-examine our image as a welcoming nation of immigrants. Tracing the historical illusion of melting pot vs. protective fence building is a story that began in earnest for Americans at the end of the Civil War. Now, in the 21st century, with instant information, globalization, terrorist threats, and wars that have plunged much of the world into a massive refugee crisis, our internal polarization seems to demand more internal fences. Perhaps it is time find ways to build gates of civility that will help us remember that we are, indeed, more alike than we are different.
Lincoln and Civil Rights During Wartime
Saturday, 2:00 p.m., March 10, Idaho State Archives Idaho History Center, 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise
Responding to arguments from Erastus Corning and other New York Democrats, Lincoln defended his decisions with respect to civil rights as being humane and respectful of the goals of union. Dr. Scott Yenor, Associate Professor of Political Science at Boise State University, discusses Lincoln’s arguments then transfers the principles of his arguments to contemporary issues. Today’s issues may be as complicated as, or even more complicated than, those faced by Lincoln, but our resolution of those issues favors civil rights much more than the Great Emancipator’s view. After the presentation, participants are invited to visit the Lincoln exhibit in a nearby room.
Makeiteers - Make Henry’s Freedom Box
Monday, 1:00 p.m., March 12, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
Learn about Henry Brown and do a related hands-on project that encompasses engineering. Afterward, view the PBS documentary that includes Henry Brown’s story.
Afternoon Screening of Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
Monday, 2:00 p.m., March 12, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
View the PBS documentary featuring William Still, a most important yet largely unheralded hero of the Underground Railroad.
Idaho's Unique Racial History
Monday, 6:00 p.m., March 12, Boise Public Library, Marion Bingham Rm, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
Phillip Thompson, Board President and Director of the Idaho Black History Museum, will lead an informative overview of Idaho’s fascinating history with racial diversity, racism, and civil rights. A Q&A discussion will follow.
Community Viewing of Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 15, Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
All are invited to a viewing and discussion of the PBS documentary featuring William Still, a most important yet largely unheralded hero of the Underground Railroad.
Refugees in Idaho
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 15, Eagle Public Library, 100 N. Stierman Wy., Eagle
Yasmin Aguilar, with the Agency for New Americans, discusses how refugees come to Idaho and the screening process involved.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., March 21, Nampa Public Library, Board Room, 215 12th Ave S., Nampa
All are invited to join the Bookworms in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
February
Read Me Kick-Off
Thursday, 10:00 a.m., February 1, Idaho Black History Museum, 508 Julia Davis Dr., Boise
Join Valley dignitaries and fellow readers as we officially kick off this year’s read, Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel, The Underground Railroad. Learn about the Idaho Black History Museum and hear a little about the book and the value of a community-wide read. Enter a drawing for a free copy.
Underground Railroad – Preschool Storytime
Monday, 10:30 a.m., February 5, Star Branch Library, 10706 W. State St., Star
Join us for a storytime filled with stories of the Underground Railroad, trains and lots of fun. Ages 3-5.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Monday, 1:00 p.m., February 5, Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
All are invited to join the Afternoon Book Club in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Curious Cubs Storytime: Celebrating You and Me
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., February 7, Meridian Library District, Cherry Lane, 1326 W. Cherry Lane
Join us for this special storytime that will focus on books about differences, self-worth, and diversity.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., February 8, Eagle Public Library, 100 N. Stierman Wy., Eagle
All are invited to join the Second Thursday Bookclub in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Freedom Quilt Afterschool Program
Friday, 4:00 p.m., February 9. Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
Hear a story and learn brief history of the Underground Railroad, then work on a quilt related craft to take home.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Saturday, 10:00 a.m., February 10, Star Branch Library, 10706 W State St., Star
All are invited to join the Beyond the Book Club in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Kindergarten Readiness – Unspoken and the Underground Railroad
Monday, 10:00 a.m., February 12, Garden City Public Library, 6015 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
Our regular Kindergarten Readiness program will have a unique focus this week including a storytime featuring Unspoken and special activities centered around diversity and the many different types of people in the world.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., February 13, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
All are invited to join the Second Thursday Bookclub in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Colson Whitehead Reception and Reading
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m. February 13, Beside Bardenay, 612 W Grove St., Boise
7:00 p.m. The Egyptian Theater, 700 W Main St, Boise
Tickets for Readings & Conversations with Colson Whitehead on February 13th are sold out, but rush tickets may be available at the Egyptian Theatre box office on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 6:30 PM. If you would like the opportunity to meet and greet the author of the endlessly-award-winning Underground Railroad join The Cabin at Beside Bardenay at 5 PM the night of the lecture. Tickets are $20 for Cabin members (please call for code!), $25 for non-members and includes appetizers.
Celebration of African American History – Preschool Storytime
Thursday, 10:00 a.m., February 15, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
Preschoolers and their parents/caregivers will get in on some Read Me action through African American stories.
Underground Railroad: Myths Busted!
Thursday, 4:00 p.m., February 15, Star Branch Library, 10706 W. State St., Star
Join us as we bust some of the myths surrounding the Underground Railroad. Plot your route to freedom, create a secret sign or symbol for fugitive slaves, guess how many slaves escaped on the Underground Railroad. All ages. Families welcome.
Trains and Railroads – Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., February 21, Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
The Underground Railroad is introduced to preschoolers and their parents/caregivers through stories of trains and railroads.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Thursday, 2:00 p.m., February 22, Garden City Public Library, 6015 N. Glenwood St., Garden City
All are invited to join us in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
13th: Film Screening and Discussion
February 22, 6 p.m. Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
Ava DuVernay's 13th explores the American prison system, the prison-industrial complex, and the history of racial inequality in the United States. Join us for a screening of the 2017 Emmy award-winning documentary, following by a thoughtful discussion.
Celebration of African American History – Preschool Storytime
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., February 27, Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
Preschoolers and their parents/caregivers will get in on some Read Me action through African American stories.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Tuesday, 6:00 p.m., February 27, Hidden Springs Branch Library, 5868 W. Hidden Springs Dr., Boise
All are invited to join the Evening Book Club in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
Celebration of African American History – Preschool Storytime
Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., February 28, Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
Preschoolers and their parents/caregivers will get in on some Read Me action through African American stories.
Underground Railroad Afterschool Program
Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., February 28. Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
Using game play, we’ll learn about the “Underground Railroad,” a path to freedom for Southern slaves. Designed for ages 6-11.
March
Preschool Storytime: Designing a Freedom Quilt
Thursday, 10:00 a.m., and 2:30 p.m., March 1, Meridian Library District, Cherry Lane, 1326 W. Cherry Lane
Do you like puzzles? After this special Preschool Storytime design your own Freedom Quilt to send your secret message.
The Underground Railroad: A Discussion
Sunday, 2:00 p.m., March 4, Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
All are invited to join us in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.
American Blues Music
Sunday, 4:00 p.m., March 4, Sapphire Room, Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd., Garden City
Blues music has its roots in African American spirituals and field songs. Spend a winter afternoon in a great venue, listening to Boise Blues Society musicians play blues/roots music and share some related spoken word. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Harriet Beecher Stowe: Abolitionist, Novelist, Remarkable American Woman
Monday, 7:00 p.m., March 5 Rediscovered Bookshop, 180 N 8th St., Boise
Barbara Meldrum, Professor Emerita of English at the University of Idaho, introduces us to a woman whose antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, shook the nation. Stowe, a teacher and writer from a family of preachers, used her pen to express the truths her heart dictated. Lincoln, during the Civil War, is said to have greeted her by asking, “Are you the little lady who made this big war?”Living long after Lincoln’s untimely death, she and her husband wintered in Florida, teaching and preaching to former slaves, trying to help them thrive in their newfound freedom. Through slides of people, places, and books, Meldrum shares Stowe’s numerous experiences and accomplishments.
Meridian Bookmobile: Underground Railroad
March 5th-9th, during Bookmobile hours, visit https://www.mld.org/outreach for a full schedule of stops.
Visit the Meridian Library District Bookmobile during the week of March 5th-9th to explore Underground Railroad activities!
Navigating by the Stars
Thursday, 4:30 p.m., March 7, Star Branch Library, 10489 W. Lake Hazel Rd., Boise
Amy Truksa, with the College of Idaho Planetarium, and Phillip Thompson, of the Idaho Black History Museum, will share information about how it was possible for escaped slaves to navigate by the stars.
Navigating by the Stars
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 7, Lake Hazel Branch Library, 10706 W. State St., Star
Amy Truksa, with the College of Idaho Planetarium, and Phillip Thompson, of the Idaho Black History Museum, will share information about how it was possible for escaped slaves to navigate by the stars.
Fenced In or Fenced Out? American Diversity in a Racist Century
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 8, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
Join historian Betti VanEpps-Taylor as she examines today's polarizing and divisive "identity politics," as just the latest chapter in a long history of internal and world-wide upheavals that periodically require Americans to re-examine our image as a welcoming nation of immigrants. Tracing the historical illusion of melting pot vs. protective fence building is a story that began in earnest for Americans at the end of the Civil War. Now, in the 21st century, with instant information, globalization, terrorist threats, and wars that have plunged much of the world into a massive refugee crisis, our internal polarization seems to demand more internal fences. Perhaps it is time find ways to build gates of civility that will help us remember that we are, indeed, more alike than we are different.
Lincoln and Civil Rights During Wartime
Saturday, 2:00 p.m., March 10, Idaho State Archives Idaho History Center, 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise
Responding to arguments from Erastus Corning and other New York Democrats, Lincoln defended his decisions with respect to civil rights as being humane and respectful of the goals of union. Dr. Scott Yenor, Associate Professor of Political Science at Boise State University, discusses Lincoln’s arguments then transfers the principles of his arguments to contemporary issues. Today’s issues may be as complicated as, or even more complicated than, those faced by Lincoln, but our resolution of those issues favors civil rights much more than the Great Emancipator’s view. After the presentation, participants are invited to visit the Lincoln exhibit in a nearby room.
Makeiteers - Make Henry’s Freedom Box
Monday, 1:00 p.m., March 12, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
Learn about Henry Brown and do a related hands-on project that encompasses engineering. Afterward, view the PBS documentary that includes Henry Brown’s story.
Afternoon Screening of Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
Monday, 2:00 p.m., March 12, Victory Branch Library, 10664 W. Victory Rd., Boise
View the PBS documentary featuring William Still, a most important yet largely unheralded hero of the Underground Railroad.
Idaho's Unique Racial History
Monday, 6:00 p.m., March 12, Boise Public Library, Marion Bingham Rm, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
Phillip Thompson, Board President and Director of the Idaho Black History Museum, will lead an informative overview of Idaho’s fascinating history with racial diversity, racism, and civil rights. A Q&A discussion will follow.
Community Viewing of Underground Railroad: The William Still Story
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 15, Caldwell Public Library, 1010 Dearborn St., Caldwell
All are invited to a viewing and discussion of the PBS documentary featuring William Still, a most important yet largely unheralded hero of the Underground Railroad.
Refugees in Idaho
Thursday, 6:30 p.m., March 15, Eagle Public Library, 100 N. Stierman Wy., Eagle
Yasmin Aguilar, with the Agency for New Americans, discusses how refugees come to Idaho and the screening process involved.
The Underground Railroad - A Discussion
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m., March 21, Nampa Public Library, Board Room, 215 12th Ave S., Nampa
All are invited to join the Bookworms in a lively book discussion of Colson Whitehead’s engrossing novel.