Medford, Oregon (February 8, 2022)—Rogue Reads, the Jackson County Library Services (JCLS) program that encourages everyone in Jackson County to read and discuss the same books, culminates in a virtual author talk with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. All are welcome to attend this free program on Wednesday, February 23 from 5:00–6:30 p.m. on Zoom; registration is required.
Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Kimmerer received the John Burroughs Medal Award for her first book, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses. Her second book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, received the 2014 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award. She lives in Syracuse, New York, where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.
This year, Rogue Reads featured four titles related to the themes of indigeneity, community, reciprocity, and the environment. In addition to Braiding Sweetgrass, Rogue Reads featured The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline for teens, Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell for tweens, and We Are Water Protectors (Somos guardianes del agua) by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade for kids and families.
Rogue Reads takes place each winter, December through February. Jackson County residents are invited to take part by reading the featured books, joining in a book discussion or program, picking up a Rogue Reads-themed Take & Make kit, and attending the live, virtual author talk. Borrow the selected books, download discussion guides, and register for the author talk with Robin Wall Kimmerer at jcls.org/roguereads.
Rogue Reads is made possible with the support of the Jackson County Library Foundation, Jefferson Public Radio, 107.5 KISS FM, and The Valley 106.3 FM.