Weekly Book Discussions
March 6, 13, and 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Barnes & Nobles Booksellers (map)
The best part of a community reading program like Linn Area Reads is the chance to discuss what you’re reading with all of your neighbors! We facilitate that part by offering three weekly book discussions at Barnes & Noble. Come join us for lively conversations at 6:30 p.m. on March 6, 13, and 20. Each discussion will cover one-third of the book and each will be moderated by a member of the Linn Area Reads selection committee; you’ll meet Molly Rach from the Hiawatha Library, Jane Nesmith from Coe College, and Laura Farmer from Cornell College (who is also a book reviewer with The Gazette). We guarantee these three ladies will guide you to a better understanding of the book, and you will leave excited about sharing it with others!

Family Legacy—Find Meaning in Your Family’s Story, presented by Linda Schmidt
Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Hiawatha Public Library (map)
Linda Schmidt, owner of Memory Echoes LLC, presents “Family Legacy: Your Memories One Story at a Time.” Find meaning in your family stories, both in your present day life and the lives of your ancestors. Follow the thread of your past to see the full tapestry of your family. Most likely you will discover family traits and stories that transcend the times and give your family legacy continuity as you discover who you are, and unique and enduring qualities of your family. Being rooted in your past gives meaning to your present and direction for your future. Family stories are important, preserve yours! This program will be hosted by the Hiawatha Public Library at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.

Heirloom Recipe Swap
Saturday, March 15 at 2:00 p.m.
Marion Public Library (map)
In honor of Jennifer Wilson’s’ family adventure to explore her roots and the food they ate, often recipes that had been passed down through generations, we’re hosting an Heirloom Recipe Swap.

On Saturday, March 15 at 2:00 p.m., visit the Marion Public Library to be part our swap and share. Bring ten copies of your timeless family favorites, share them with the group, and maybe find something new to try yourself. Registration is requested for this free event. Register online or contact a metro library.

Author Visit by Jennifer Wilson
Saturday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m.
Cedar Rapids Public Library (map)
Come and enjoy a program presented by Jennifer Wilson, the author of Running Away to Home: Our Family’s Journey to Croatia in Search of Who We Are, Where We Came From, and What Really Matters, the 2014 Linn Area Reads community reading selection. Jennifer’s book is her story of her middle class, Midwestern family uprooting themselves in search of meaning and moving to her ancestral village in Croatia. 

Jennifer’s program starts at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 in the Whipple Auditorium at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library. Registration is requested for this free event. Register online or contact a metro library. Parking is free downtown after 6 p.m. and ALL DAY Saturdays and Sundays!