Learn more about how South King County’s local landmarks tie into American history, thanks to a collaboration produced by local heritage members of SoCoCulture and the King County Library System.
The 2018 version of the Bookmarks & Landmarks series launches on Saturday, May 19, when the Maple Valley Historical Society hosts the first program at its Gibbon Store Museum.
For this program, adult readers are invited to check out “The Egg and I” at their local KCLS branch library and read it ahead of time, then come to the Museum on
May 19 at 1 PM to compare the book with similar adventures and misadventures that took place in the Maple Valley area in earlier days, as shared by Maple Valley historian Dick Peacock.
The event is free, but adults must pre-register by contacting the Maple Valley Library at 425-432-4620.
There will be similar tie-ins between local historic sites and books at two additional programs in this summer’s Bookmarks & Landmarks series.
On Wednesday, June 13, at 7 PM, National Book Award winner Tim Egan will come to the Renton History Museum to discuss his book, “The Big Burn.” That book was about a devastating 1910 forest fire that stretched across Washington, Idaho, Montana and into British Columbia.
As climate change increases the risk and severity of forest fires, Egan’s talk will help participants understand current wilderness fire policies and their history. The Renton History Museum is housed in a historical fire station.
To join this conversation, check out a copy of “The Big Burn” at your KCLS branch ahead of time, and register for the Tim Egan talk by calling the Renton Library, 425-226-6043 or going online at kcls.org. Registration for this program opens on May 23.
The final Bookmarks & Landmarks program of the season will take place at SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve on Saturday, July 14, at 1 PM, and the book to read ahead of time is “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben.
For this program, ecologist Daniel Sorenson will be on hand to talk about the emotional connections people have with places and plants. The program will include an optional walk through the Nature Preserve’s beautiful 5,000 year old peat bog, and attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch.
Registration for the SHADOW Lake program opens June 23 online, or call the Covington Library at 253-630-8761.
For more information about the Bookmarks & Landmarks program, visit sococulture.org and click on the events calendar, or inquire at your local library.
