April 8, 2015

Whidbey Island’s five community libraries have been hosting a six-week series of events inspired by “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics” by Daniel James Brown.

These events culminate on Wednesday, April 15 with presentations by the author. Brown will speak at 1 p.m. at South Whidbey High School and 7 p.m. at Best Western Plus Harbor Plaza in Oak Harbor.

Other events during Whidbey Reads 2015 will include discussion groups, film showings, musical presentations and lectures. They will explore such topics as the Depression era, World War II, and the region’s boating culture. Full calendar listings, online and printable, can be found at sno-isle.org/whidbeyreads. Printed calendars are also available in the Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley and Clinton libraries.

Whidbey Reads annually brings island residents together to read and talk about a book. The shared experience serves as a springboard to explore commonalities and differences, said Whidbey Reads organizer Kathy Bullene.

Whidbey Reads is a collaborative effort of Sno-Isle Libraries, Whidbey Island Friends of the Library groups and volunteers from each community. Other partners include Skagit Valley College, Best Western Harbor Plaza, Wind & Tide Books, Island Thrift and Moonraker Books. Funding is provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.