EVERETT — Ahead of Earth Day this year, the Everett Public Library will focus its annual Everett Reads program on books exploring climate change, nature and survival.
The “Into the Wilderness” series will feature author presentations, crafts and other activities related to sustainability and conservation throughout the next three months.
“We are finding that there is a lot of interest in our programs related to nature and wildlife,” said Jennifer Patterson, assistant director of programs and information services at the library.
The library hosts Everett Reads as a way to unite members of the community, Patterson said, and to deepen locals’ appreciation of reading.
Author Diane Cook will launch this year’s program by discussing her book “The New Wilderness” at 7 p.m. Friday at Everett Station’s Weyerhaeuser Room.
The novel takes place in a world ravaged by climate change and follows a mother on a quest to save her daughter from the pollution that consumes their city. The novel was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.
National Book Award winner Neal Shusterman and his son Jarrod Shusterman will also speak about their novel “Dry” at 6 p.m. March 21 at the Cope Gillette Theatre.
In this dystopian story, California’s water crisis escalates dramatically when the taps run dry. They are adapting the book into the film.
The library will also host events featuring discussions about native pollinators and threatened bird populations, leading up to Earth Day on April 22.
Author events during Everett Reads are free and do not require registration. Other activities and presentations from the program do require attendees to sign up or reserve tickets.
Those interested in participating in this year’s Everett Reads can find more information, and register for events, on the Everett Reads website.
As of last week, the library had a few eBook copies of Cook’s novel available to checkout, but 22 out of 23 hard copies were checked out. As for the Shustermans’ book, 10 out of 21 hard copies were in readers’ hands.
Hear from the author
Who: Diane Cook will discuss her dystopian novel, “The New Wilderness.”
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 23.
Where: Everett Station’s Weyerhaeuser Room, 3201 Smith Ave., on the fourth floor.
Hear from the coauthors
Who: Neal and Jarrod Shusterman will discuss their dystopian novel “Dry.”
When: 6 p.m. March 21.
Where: Cope Gillette Theatre, 2730 Wetmore Ave.
Ta’Leah Van Sistine: 425-339-3460; taleah.vansistine@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @TaLeahRoseV.
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