Friends of Loveland Public Library Foundation

Loveland Loves to Read

Loveland Loves to Read is our annual One Book, One Community program.

Each year, community members come together through the reading and discussion of a common book. In addition to book discussions, a variety of related events are scheduled.

Donations to Loveland Loves to Read will help us to engage well-known authors in future years. Donations may be made:

- online through this website

- through Colorado Box Office when you purchase your event ticket

- or through the mail using this form

Loveland Loves to Read 2019 - Water in the West: A Conversation

For 2019, we have chosen to take a thematic approach, with the topic of Water in the West. We are presenting two books by renowned Colorado authors, one fiction (The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi) and one non-fiction (A Ditch in Time by Patricia Limerick). Read one, or read both! They offer distinct views of the topic, which will enhance our understanding of the issues and inspire stimulating conversation.

On September 24, the authors will have a conversation moderated by Brian Werner (Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District). We're anticipating a lively conversation about this vital issue.

Paolo Bacigalupi is an award winning author who has won the the Hugo Award, the Nebula, the Locus, and the Printz Award. He was also a finalist for the National Book Award. Too little water needed by too many people inspired him to write The Water Knife, a dystopian look at the future of an on-going drought. It was described by NPR as “a noir-ish, cinematic thriller set in the midst of a water war between Las Vegas and Phoenix. Think Chinatown meets Mad Max”.

Patty Limerick, University of Colorado professor, past State Historian, and director of The Center of the American West, has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between academics and the reading public. Her book, A Ditch in Time, deals with water in Denver and the Front Range: its past, present and future, and the controversies surrounding water in the West. A local review noted “Ironically, most narratives about water are pretty dry. Not this one! Wet your lips for a great read”.

A supplementary materials list is also available, if you'd like to learn more on the topic, or if you'd prefer to read a different book.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS

The Water Knife - ReadMore Group at Loveland Public Library

Tuesday, September 3 – 9-11 AM and 6:30–8:30 PM
Tuesday, September 4 – 9-11 AM

A Ditch in Time - Buzzwords Group at Verboten Brewing, 127 E. 5th St., Loveland

September 12 - 6:30 PM

EVENTS

Thursday, September 12, 7-8 PM - Diversion: The Colorado Big Thompson Water Project, presented by Ted Schmidt (free event); historical photographs and slides are matched with taped oral history records of engineers, miners and politicians who were involved with the Colorado Big Thompson Water Project from the 1930s to the 1950s; Loveland Public Library Gertrude Scott Room
Friday, September 20, 1-4 PM - Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District Open House with garden tours (free event); 220 Water Ave., Berthoud
Tuesday, September 24, 7 PM - Authors in Conversation at Roberta Price Auditorium, moderated by Brian Werner, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (see below for ticket prices); Thompson Valley High School, 1669 Eagle Drive, Loveland
Wednesday, September 25, 10 AM to Noon - Meet the Authors (free event); Loveland Public Library Gertrude Scott Room
Thursday, September 26, 5:30 PM - Movie: “The Milagro Beanfield War”(free event, with popcorn); Loveland Public Library Gertrude Scott Room

TICKETS FOR AUTHOR CONVERSATION, SEPTEMBER 24
(prices include all ticketing fees)

Online:

$22 General Admission (no reserved seats)
$30 Preferred Up-Front Seating (no reserved seats)
Available at https://coloradoboxoffice.com/events/Water-in-the-West

At Loveland Public Library, Friends office:

Tuesdays 10 AM - 1 PM, during June, August, and September (please note: no July hours)
Sundays 1 PM - 3 PM, during September
Discounted tickets are only available in-person during these hours (Friends of the Loveland Public Library members - $20; Students - $10)

Questions? Call the Loveland Public Library Adult Services Desk at 970-962-2402.