September 13, 2025

Visible Mending Demonstration

Canby Public Library presents a demonstration of visible mending with fiber artist Vivien Wise. Visible mending is a creative approach to repairing clothes and other fabric items where the mended areas are intentionally kept visible, rather than trying to conceal them. It's a way to personalize garments, add character, and extend the life of clothing by celebrating the repairs as part of the design.

This event is supported by a Minigrant for Rural Libraries from Oregon Humanities.

1:00 p.m., Canby Public Library, Canby

September 17, 2025

Oregon Canneries and the Quest for the American Dream

In the late 1800’s, the Columbia River fish canning industry was one of the most valuable in the world. This program, presented by Julie Triezenberg of the Columbia River Maritime Museum, discusses the history of the canneries, their impact on local communities, and the legacy they left behind after their closure.

This event is supported by a Mini Grant for Rural Libraries from Oregon Humanities.

7:00 p.m., Scappoose Public Library, Scappoose

September 19, 2025

An Evening with Willy Vlautin

Join Oregon author Willy Vlautin for a lively discussion of his latest book, The Horse, along with songs and stories from the novel. You can pick up a free copy of The Horse at Columbia County Libraries starting August 18, while supplies last.

7:00 p.m., Birkenfeld Theatre, Clatskanie

September 20, 2025

Willy Vlautin's Book Club

This is an informal event where the audience can discuss the themes and other elements in any of Willy Vlautin's books face to face with the author. Come prepared with your questions and observations.

This event is supported by a Mini Grant for Rural Libraries from Oregon Humanities.

7:00 p.m., Scappoose Community & Senior Center, Scappoose

September 20, 2025

River Talk: Recovery of the McKenzie Valley after the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire

Joe Moll, the Executive director of McKenzie River Trust, presents a talk on the recovery of the McKenzie Valley after the Holiday Farm fire. And to celebrate the finale of the River Talks, the jazz guitarist Don Latarski will perform his River Suites.

Since 1989, McKenzie River Trust has worked with willing landowners to care for more than ten thousand acres of land in Western Oregon, protecting fish, wildlife and the quality of our water. Their large-scale restoration projects are rich habitat parcels often connected like a string of pearls by the river flowing between them.

Commenting on one of these projects, the nearby restoration of the Finn Rock Reach, Moll wrote, “In the aftermath of the Holiday Farm fire we continue to be impressed and humbled by how many people look to the river as solace, as an anchor, a reason for being where we are. Without water we’re not Oregon, so anything we do to give people in the future the opportunity to enjoy the wealth we enjoy now we feel really good about.”

This event is supported by a Mini Grant for Rural Libraries from Oregon Humanities.

2:00 p.m., O'Brien Memorial Library, Blue River

September 27, 2025

Community Conversations: How Can You help?

Toledo Public Library presents a resource fair and opportunity to find out all that is available in Toledo to help people in need and give back to the community.  This event is supported by a Mini Grant for Rural Libraries from Oregon Humanities.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Toledo Public Library, Toledo

October 18, 2025

Our People, Our Stories

Join tina ontiveros, author of the memoir Rough House, to discuss growing up in Oregon logging camps and how writing this memoir affected her connection with the region, the people, and herself.

This program is supported by a Mini Grant for Rural Libraries from Oregon Humanities.

3:00 p.m., Mt. Angel Public Library, Mt. Angel