Take part in Salem Reads events during February

Read the Book. Discuss the Topics. Enjoy the Programs.

Salem Reads returns for the eighth year with a month-long series of events and activities that explore the themes of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova, an epic tale of a family — truth and mysteries.

Although the two craft events are full (and thus not included on this list), there are plenty of other activities that will encourage you to engage with hopes of bringing our community together. Events are free and open to the public.

Salem Reads Art Exhibit: View the work of local professional artists inspired by the book through March 3 in the Art Hall at the Salem Public Library.

Watch Oil & Water: A Documentary about the efforts of two young men trying to conserve their cultures and environment in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Shown with Spanish subtitles, 6-7:30 p.m. Feb 1 in Loucks Auditorium.

Join members of the Willamette Valley Genealogical Society for Seeking Our Roots: Why Do Genealogy? to discuss the origins and value of researching our forebearers. Hosted by the Salem City Club, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb 2 in the Dye House at Willamette Heritage Center. Register at salemcityclub.com

Meet with other adults at the Brown Bag Book Discussion for conversations about The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, 12-1 p.m. Feb 6 in the Collaboration Studio at SPL.

Delve into the interesting and complex history of Ecuador with Dr. Mariko Plescia at the Ecuadorian History Lecture, 6-7 p.m. Feb 7 in Loucks Auditorium.

Tune in to Talking About Art where host Joel Zak will interview guests about the Salem Reads Art Exhibit, 9 a.m. Feb 9 on KMUZ 100.7.

Learn about The Art of Reading Magical Realism with Willamette University Assistant Professor of English Teresa Hernández, and how it has been used as a tool for political and social resistance from across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Additional reading suggestions will be included, 6-7:30 p.m. Feb 13 in Loucks Auditorium.

NEW (added Feb 12)— A last-minute opportunity for Salem Reads participants — A Talk with Zoraida Córdova, author of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, via Zoom, 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 20. Learn more directly from Zoraida Córdova about how this magical story came to be and have a chance to get your questions answered. This is a hybrid event. Attendees can choose to connect via Zoom or meet in Anderson Room A and use library technology to interact. Registration is needed to receive the Zoom link for the event: https://cityofsalemlibrary.libcal.com/event/12040154

Kick back and dig into the themes of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina at Book and Brew: Adult Book Discussion. Snacks provided; buy your own drinks, 7-8 p.m. Feb 21 at For Tomorrow We Die Brewery, 2315 25th St SE.

A Spanish-language Discussion of the book will take place, 1-2 p.m. Feb 22 at La Casita, 1998 Lansing Ave NE.

Spend time talking about the details of life and death with new people at Death Cafe, an event centered around cake, tea and good company, 2-3:30 p.m. Feb 27 (in English) and 6-7:30 p.m. Feb 28 (in Spanish) in Anderson Rooms A&B.

Need a book? The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova is available to read (or listen to) in English and Spanish from the Salem Public Library. Additionally, multiple copies of the eBook and eAudiobook are available to download and enjoy on the cloudLibrary and Libby apps. You can also purchase it locally at The Book Bin.

Last edited: February 12, 2024.

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 19 (Spring 203)