June 18, 2026

Consider This with Naomi Shihab Nye

A conversation with the extraordinary poet and novelist Naomi Shihab Nye about nations and communities. What makes this nation, the United States, what it is? How do nations change over time, and what moves those changes? How do communities become what we hope them to be? How should we strive to live together in community?

7:00 p.m., Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland

June 20, 2026

Talking About Gender: Learning, Unlearning, and Understanding

Do you remember the first time you were taught how to “be a man” or “act more ladylike”? Do you recall moments of permission when you got to break free from the pressures of your gender? Everyone experiences gender differently, which can cause confusion when the gender of others challenges our own understanding. By exploring our own histories with gender, we can open ourselves up to being curious about the experiences of others. In this conversation, participants will be invited to reflect on and share the ways gender was taught to them, moments they challenged gender expectations, and ways they live in their gender today.

This conversation will take place in the Anderson Rooms on the plaza level of Salem Public Library.

11:00 a.m., Salem Public Library, Salem

June 25, 2026

Tertulias...¡de película! en Español: "Malamadre"

Tertulias… ¡de Película! Es un encuentro trimestral en español donde exploramos cortometrajes, documentales y películas, y conversamos abierta y sinceramente sobre las ideas y emociones que nos despierta el cine. Es un espacio para conectar, aprender y compartir, pensado para personas hispanohablantes que desean vivir historias a través del cine.

Nuestra Tertulia de Junio será con la temática del día de la madre que se celebra el 10 de Mayo. "Malamadre" narra la historia no contada de la maternidad, desde el punto de vista de la mujer. Todo el mundo tiene una madre pero la maternidad sigue siendo un estado lleno de silencios. Entre el mandato de la sociedad de ser una 'buena madre' siempre paciente, cariñosa, feliz y la realidad de lo que implica ser madre. Este documental rompe este silencio a través de entrevistas sinceras con madres de todos los orígenes y generaciones en América Latina.

5:30 a 7:30 p.m., Redmond Public Library, Redmond

June 25, 2026

Tertulias...¡de película! en Español: "Malamadre"

Tertulias… ¡de Película! Es un encuentro trimestral en español donde exploramos cortometrajes, documentales y películas, y conversamos abierta y sinceramente sobre las ideas y emociones que nos despierta el cine. Es un espacio para conectar, aprender y compartir, pensado para personas hispanohablantes que desean vivir historias a través del cine. Nuestra Tertulia de Junio será con la temática del día de la madre que se celebra el 10 de Mayo. "Malamadre" narra la historia no contada de la maternidad, desde el punto de vista de la mujer. Todo el mundo tiene una madre pero la maternidad sigue siendo un estado lleno de silencios. Entre el mandato de la sociedad de ser una 'buena madre' siempre paciente, cariñosa, feliz y la realidad de lo que implica ser madre. Este documental rompe este silencio a través de entrevistas sinceras con madres de todos los orígenes y generaciones en América Latina.

5:30 a 7:30 p.m., Redmond Public Library, Redmond

June 25, 2026

What Does It Mean to Be American?

This conversation will explore when and how we define ourselves as an “American.” Does knowing the Constitution make us American? Does living on land controlled by the United States of America make us American? Through conversation and nonverbal exploration, we will share what “American” means to us individually and within the communities we belong to or came from, and what perspectives shaped our understanding of American identity and who is included in “We the People.”

6:00 p.m., Parkdale Library, Parkdale

June 26, 2026

Talking About Values Across Political Divides

“How can I be me without making it difficult for you to be you?” This question gets at the fundamental challenge of being in society together. We live in a contentious political world, and it’s difficult to talk about our deepest values and beliefs in safe, civil, and respectful ways. In 2021, the Pew Research Center found that nearly six in ten Americans felt that political conversations with those you disagree with are generally stressful and frustrating, as opposed to being interesting and informative. If we avoid such conversations, we lose opportunities to form a community with others that reflects our best selves. How can we learn to share our values in ways that bring us together rather than push us further apart?

5:30 p.m., Cook Memorial Library, La Grande

June 27, 2026

What Does It Mean to Be American?

This conversation will explore when and how we define ourselves as an “American.” Does knowing the Constitution make us American? Does living on land controlled by the United States of America make us American? Through conversation and nonverbal exploration, we will share what “American” means to us individually and within the communities we belong to or came from, and what perspectives shaped our understanding of American identity and who is included in “We the People.”

2:00 p.m., Jacksonville Branch Library, Jacksonville

July 10, 2026

Monuments and Memorials: Who, What, Where, When, and Why?

As long as humans have sought to honor the present and remember times past, we have built monuments and memorials. Our traditions around monuments and memorials have changed over time. Today, each monument prompts many questions: What should be remembered, and why? How should it be remembered? Where should a monument or memorial be built, and when? And who gets to decide? Most of us rarely get a say in how people and events are memorialized. What monuments or memorials would you like to see in your personal life, home, or local community? How can communities celebrate the ideas and values that are important to them together?

10:30 am, Corvallis Museum, Corvallis

July 17, 2026

Poetry in Place: Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston

The work of Oregon's eleventh Poet Laureate, Ellen Waterston, is deeply rooted in considerations of place. At this event, Ellen will read some of her work and engage in a discussion of her experiences as Poet Laureate travelling across our state. She will also lead one to two writing workshops prior to the evening reading.

5:00 p.m., Clatskanie Cultural Center, Clatskanie

July 18, 2026

Astoria Column One-Hundredth Anniversary Rededication

One hundred years after the original dedication of the historic monument, the community will gather to honor the past and look towards the future. Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston will read a poem commissioned for the occasion.

2:00 p.m., Astoria Column, Astoria