The InstigatorRead the Book. Discuss the Topics. Enjoy the Programs.
UPDATE: January 10, 2022 — Events will take place virtually. See below for details.
Salem Reads, the community-wide reading project that invites everyone in Salem to read the same book, take part in discussions, and enjoy related programs, runs throughout the month of February.
The 2022 selection is the acclaimed, award-winning novel A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, which tells the stories of two lives entwined across the Pacific Ocean.
Ruth, a writer, finds a Hello Kitty lunchbox washed up on a beach. Tucked inside is the diary of a Japanese girl named Nao. Once Ruth begins to read the diary, she quickly finds herself drawn into the mystery of Nao’s fate. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, Nao has decided there’s only one escape from her aching loneliness and her classmates’ bullying. But before she ends it all, Nao plans to document the life of a Buddhist nun in the pages of her secret diary.
The upcoming program welcomes a variety of events. For Zoom events, sign up at salemlibrary.org to receive access information on the day of the event. For more information about Salem Reads, call 503-588-6183 or visit www.splfoundation.org.
Here’s what’s happening as part of Salem Reads 2022…
Salem Reads: Dear Stranger Exchange
Reflect on your experience and beliefs and make new connections through this project that invites you to write a letter to “Dear Stranger.” Using a model developed by Oregon Humanities, letters will be collected at the library to be exchanged and sent out to participants—so you send a letter and get a letter! Write about anything you wish. It is your choice whether to sign your letter or remain anonymous. Submissions can be brought to any Salem Public Library Ask Me Desk or mailed to: Dear Stranger Project, Salem Public Library; 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301 — January 3 through February 27
Voices of the Past Writing Contest for Teens and Adults
Blend family lore with imagination as you write a fictitious entry into the diary of one of your grandparents (or similar ancestor). It can be from any time period and tell any story from their lives. Share with readers the flavor and life of the people who helped shape you! First, second, and third place will be awarded for teen writers and adult writers. Top entries will be read at a special awards and recognition event on Feb 26 — Entries accepted from January 10 to February 10. Learn more here; Enter here.
Jan 26: Willamette Wakeup
Host Melanie Zermer will interview guests about Salem Reads — 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan 26 on KMUZ 100.7 FM Radio Show
Jan 28: Talking About Art
Host Joel Zak presents an interview of local artists participating in the Salem Reads Art Exhibit on display at the library Feb 1-26 — 9 a.m. Friday, Jan 28 at KMUZ 100.7 FM Radio Show
Feb 1-26: A Tale for the Time Being inspired Art Exhibit
View the work of local professional artists. Exhibit on display until February 26, then travels to regional libraries — February 1 to 26 in the Art Hall at Salem Public Library
Feb 3: Exploring Buddhism
Reverend Yuki Sugahara, resident minister of the Oregon Buddhist Temple, will discuss the framework and history of the Buddhist faith and the practice of Jodo Shinshu (or Shin) at this temple — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 3 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 4: Salem City Club presents Understanding ShakeAlert®: An Earthquake Early Warning System for the West Coast of the United States
If people in western Oregon receive a warning that a major earthquake is imminent — say 10 to 30 seconds away — what difference can it make? Hear two Oregon experts explain why and how ShakeAlert® technology was developed, how it will warn us of an imminent earthquake, and how that warning can save lives, property, and critical infrastructure. Cost: $5; Free for SCC members — 12 to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb 4 Live on Zoom, register at www.salemcityclub.com
Feb 5: Portland Taiko
Portland Taiko blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a sense of Asian American identity, creativity, and empowerment. The group will explore these themes in a heart-pounding performance that celebrates the best of taiko drumming — 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 5 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 8: Japanese Americans in Oregon
Chisao Hata of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon will explore key elements of the history of Japanese immigrants in Oregon, with a focus on the experience and impact of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II by the United States government — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 8 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 9: Connecting with Your Past, Willamette Valley Genealogical Society Workshop
Get started on the basics of your genealogical research, including using Ancestry.com, Library Edition. Learn how to find records of your ancestors in a country other than the United States — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb 9 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 12: From Ordinary to Magical: A Magical Realism Writing Workshop for Adults
Join Elizabeth Beechwood in this lively, interactive workshop suitable for all levels of writers. With the help of writing prompts, you’ll explore the world of magical realism and how to use the seemingly ordinary to create something magical. There will be time to write, explore, and share (if you’re comfortable with that!) — 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb 12 Live on Zoom; The workshop is free. Space is limited. Register here.
Feb 12: A Magical Realism Writing Workshop for Teens
Wish the world was full of wonder? Want to explore the magical and the strange? Join Kate Ristau for a journey into magical realism and fabulism! We’ll create our own characters as we dive deep into the magic and possibility of a story well told. With a splash of magic, the possibilities are endless. Grades 6 -12 — 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb 12 Live on Zoom; The workshop is free. Space is limited. Register here.
Feb 15: Virtual Book Club
Pass a pleasant evening in the comfort of your own home while sharing your thoughts about the story and themes of A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 15 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 17: Japanese Culture Night for Teens
Middle and high school-aged youth are invited to share what they know and learn more about life and culture in Japan, including manga and anime, J-pop, art, fandoms, snacks, and traditions — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 17 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 18: Virtual Book Club
Meet your neighbors online to explore themes and deepen your understanding of A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki — 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb 18 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 22: Salem, Oregon and Kawagoe, Japan: Sister Cities
Salem has a sister city, but how well do we know her? Learn about Kawagoe, Japan from people who know its history, people, and attractions. Information will also be included about the Sister City program and how it enriches both communities — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 22 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 24: Japanese Trivia Night —
What do you know about Japanese food, movies, music, manga, anime, and more? Find out by playing pub-style trivia online! You can compete on your own or as a team. There will be prizes — 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb 24 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Feb 26: Voices of the Past: Writing Contest Reading and Awards
Hear the fascinating stories inspired by the ancestors of Salem’s writers at this reading of a selection of fictitious diary entries based on family lore. Prizes will be presented to the first, second, and third place teen and adult winners of the Voices of the Past contest — 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb 26 Live on Zoom. Sign up here.
Learn more about Salem Reads here.
