“Let’s Talk About It, Idaho!” is coming to Moscow Public Library and the University of Idaho Library to bring together students, faculty and staff to learn more about Idaho’s history from a scholar starting Jan. 15 according to Rami Attebury, head of government documents at the UI Library.
“It will be fun and interesting for students and faculty to bring everyone together with reading,” Attebury said.
Diane Prorak, reference and instruction librarian at the UI Library, said the state library, through federal grants and other commissions for libraries, is sponsoring the booktalks that relate to a certain theme.
Attebury has been a part of putting on similar grant programs in the past, with themes including graphic novels, Jewish literature in the community and jazz.
The UI is partnering with the Moscow Public Library, Prorak said. Three of the five talks will be held in the 1912 Center Great Room through the Moscow Public Library.
“The public library is where you will be able to find these books to check out as a group — UI Library doesn’t have multiple copies and not as a group (checkout),” Prorak said.
Sarah VanGundy, senior reference librarian at the UI Library said all the scholars that will be speaking have some connection to the area.
“The author (of Buffalo Coat), Carol Ryrie Brink, is the reason Brink Hall is named Brink,” VanGundy said.
Paula Coomer, a UI alumnus, will talk about “The Buffalo Coat,” which was written about specific people and events in Moscow.
Ron McFarland will speak about “A Victorian Gentlewoman in the Far West,” based in the Boise area, and “We Sagebrush Folks.” He is a professor at UI in the English department.
“Thousand Pieces of Gold,” which is about a Chinese slave girl brought to the Warren mining district of Idaho and her difficult journey before and after, will be presented by Lesa Luders from Washington State University.
Barbara Meldrum is a retired professor from UI and will talk about “Home Below Hell’s Canyon,” which takes place in the Snake River Canyon south of Lewiston and is about the life on a small sheep ranch in the 1930’s.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn about Idaho’s history,” VanGundy said.
It will be really exciting, very interesting and the scholars will all be great, Attebury said.
Emily Aizawa can be reached at [email protected]