Oregon Reads 2009
What if everybody read the same book?
We’d talk to each other about issues that matter and we’d celebrate the power of
books in creating a stronger community.
In honor of 150 years of statehood, the State of Oregon is promoting a community-wide reading event called Oregon Reads. Lauren Kessler, an Oregon author, has written Stubborn Twig, which relates the family history of Japanese-American immigrants in Oregon, prior to and during World War II.
For young readers Bat 6 by Virginia Euwer Wolff tells a story about Bear Creek Ridge and Barlow, two small Oregon towns, where everyone is looking forward to the Bat 6 girls’ softball game of 1949. Eleven-year-old Aki Mikami and her family have recently returned to their home and orchard in Bear Creek Ridge after their internment during World War II.
And for the very young readers Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson tells the story of how a brave pioneer father brought apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and cherries (and children) across the Plains.
Get involved!
Read the book
Borrow a copy from any Washington County library or purchase one at a local bookstore.
Discuss the book
Share your thoughts during any of the book discussions happening at libraries and other places around our community.
Attend an event
Explore important issues, connect with your neighbors, and attend lectures, crafts and other events. To find a complete listing of all events in Washington County click here.
Local events sponsored by the Friends of North Plains Public Library include:
PORTLAND TAIKO - Wednesday Feb. 4, 2009 -7:00 PM
Where: Jessie Mays Community Center, 30955 NW Hillcrest St., North Plains
Portland Taiko is a premiere North American taiko ensemble. Taiko (the Japanese word for drum and the name of the art form) has its roots in ancient Japanese tradition. It was used in religious ceremonies, community festivals and theater. American Taiko became a powerful voice during the struggle for redress of the Japanese American Internment. “It shakes your body to the core. It’s layer upon layer upon layer of drumming and music and sound. The space will vibrate. The chairs will vibrate. You will vibrate to your core. And you’ll want more. Witness the drama and artistry of Portland Taiko. ” (The Idaho Statesman).
MOVIE NIGHT – Snow Falling on Cedars – Friday Feb. 6, 2009 – 7 PM
Where: North Plains Senior Center, 31450 NW Commercial St., North Plains
ORIGAMI WORKSHOP – Saturday Feb 7, 2009 – 1 to 4 PM
Where: North Plains Public Library, 31334 NW Commercial St, North Plains
As part of this year’s Oregon Reads program, the Friends of North Plains Public Library are organizing an art project using origami. In Japan, origami cranes are often given as a symbol of friendship. The crane symbolizes long life, prosperity and good health and recently has become a symbol of peace throughout the world.
During the month of February, our goal is to fold hundreds of cranes and display them in the library. We invite you to fold as many cranes as you can. No prior experience with origami is necessary. On your crane(s) you may write a wish promoting peace, prosperity and good health to friends, neighbors, loved ones and people around the world.
If you can’t attend the workshop, you can fold your crane(s) at home, using a piece of square 8.5″ x 8.5″ plain white or colored paper and following the Origami Crane Directions which include a video tutorial. Then drop them off at the library.
SPEAKER - MR. HENRY SAKAMOTO – Sunday Feb. 8, 2009 – 2 PM
Where: St. Edward Church, 31235 NW Wasco St., North Plains
Mr. Sakamoto is the President of the Japanese-Ancestral Society of Portland and co-founder of the Nikkei Legacy Center. He will speak of his personal experience of the internment of 112,581 Japanese–Americans during WWII.
MOVIE NIGHT – Tompopo – Friday Feb. 13, 2009 – 7 PM
Where: North Plains Senior Center, 31450 NW Commercial St., North Plains
HISTORY & DEMONSTRATION OF THE ART OF BONSAI–Feb.16, 2009 – 7 PM
Where: North Plains Public Library, 31334 NW Commercial St, North Plains
Bill and Barbara Duerden, from the Sunset Bonsai Club will show their expertise on growing and cultivating Bonsai.
MOVIE NIGHT – Shall We Dansu – Friday Feb. 20, 2009 – 7 PM
Where: North Plains Senior Center, 31450 NW Commercial St., North Plains
JAPANESE ART LECTURE – Monday Feb. 23, 2009 – 7 PM
Where: North Plains Public Library, 31334 NW Commercial St, North Plains
Chris Lantz will present an art history slide show at the North Plains Public Library. The topic will be a brief history of the Japanese woodblock print and its influence on European and American artists of the 19th and 20th century. Chris is a graphic designer with an art history background.
BOOK DISCUSSION - Wednesday Feb. 25, 2009 - 7 PM
Where: North Plains Public Library, 31334 NW Commercial St, North Plains
MOVIE NIGHT – Madame Butterfly– Friday Feb. 27, 2009 – 7 PM
Where: North Plains Senior Center, 31450 NW Commercial St., North Plains
