Treasure Valley Book Events Calendar | Idaho Statesman

Story times: The Boise Public Library and the Meridian Library District offer many story programs for children of all ages. Go to their websites, www.boisepubliclibrary.org or www.mld.org, and click on the calendar to check out the classes.

Author visit: “Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds,” by Kara Richardson Whitely, Monday, May 11, 7 p.m., Boise Public Library, main branch. Kara Richardson Whitely has hiked Mount Kilimanjaro three times while weighing as much as 300 pounds. Her inspiring and empowering memoir, which she finished while working with “Wild” author Cheryl Strayed in the French Alps, was published this spring.

Jump-start your memoir: Tuesday, May 12, 6 p.m. Boise Public Library, main branch. The library is delighted to host a hands-on workshop about memoir writing with instructor Ellie McKinnon. McKinnon has taught numerous workshops and classes in Boise and shared her writing expertise across the country. In this two-hour workshop, she will introduce techniques to help participants capture their memories on paper. She’ll also discuss her favorite books and resources for aspiring memoirists.

Classics Book Club: Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 p.m., Meridian Library, Cherry Lane.

Partners in Crime writers group: Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Boise.

Idaho Authors’ Community: Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m., Maui Wowi, Meridian.

Book Club for 20s and 30s: Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m., Boise Public Library, Cole branch. Whether you’re missing university life or just looking to meet some new people, come join the Cole library’s newest book club. Led by a fellow 20-something with a background in literature, this book club aims to generate engaging discussion similar to what you’d find on campus. Come having read “The Shell Collector” by Anthony Doerr and be ready for a great discussion. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Circulation Desk at the Cole library. Call (208) 972-8300 with questions and for information about future meetings of this monthly book club.

Preservation Month Reading & Discussion Series Part 1: Thursday, May 14, 6 p.m., Boise Public Library, main branch. In partnership with Boise City Department of Arts & History, Boise Public Library is pleased to present Closing the Gap: Bringing Natural and Cultural Resource Preservation Together. This series discusses topics and issues around natural and cultural resource preservation from the Fettuccine Forum discussion on May 7. This is Part 1 of the reading and conversation series exploring these topics. The program is free. Register via the library’s event calendar at www.boisepubliclibrary.org. For information about the syllabus and other questions, please contact Brandi Burns.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” community discussion: Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Boise. In anticipation of “Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee (available for order), fans of her classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” are invited to join us for a lively discussion and celebration of the original classic.

Teen Burgers and Book: “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, Friday, May 15, 4:30 p.m., Meridian Library, Cherry Lane. Come and enjoy a deliciously good time. We will eat burgers and discuss this month’s title. “Thirteen Reasons Why” has gained lots of national attention. Recently, Asher went on a 50 States Against Bullying tour, and his book is also being made into a movie.

Saturday Storytime: Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, Boise. Featuring our Picture Book of The Month, “Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret” by Bob Shea. Once Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony share their secrets, will their friendship end or be stronger than ever?

Teen Writers Room: Saturday, May 16, 1 p.m., Boise Public Library, main branch. If you are 12-17 and love to write, you now have your own space in the library once a week. Bring your notebooks and computers and join other writers in the Gates Room for a drop-in, non-facilitated room of your own. We’ll provide writing prompts if you need inspiration or you can work on existing projects. It’s entirely your space and your time.