Livingston Reads taking “A Walk in the Woods”

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Livingston County is reading “A Walk in the Woods,” the humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) by Bill Bryson, as the 2019 Livingston Reads community read.

In 1996, Bryson traveled the 2,100-mile uninterrupted “hiker’s highway,” traversing 14 states. Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. winds through breathtaking landscapes of majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, and other often ignored or endangered national treasures.

Bryson’s amusingly ill-conceived adventure, undertaken for reasons even he didn’t understand, introduces us to the history and ecology of the A.T. and the quirky people, including his infamous traveling companion Stephen Katz, and creatures he meets along the way.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm for the Livingston Reads 2019 selection, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, as it provides an opportunity for Livingston County libraries to introduce or reintroduce the community to the abundant outdoor recreational options right in their backyard,” said Holly Hentz, director of the Hamburg Township Library. “There is much value in a countywide reading program that offers multiple formats for community engagement and personal enrichment through book discussions, movie presentations, and quality library programs.”

Written in 1998, A Walk in the Woods was adapted to film in 2015 with Robert Redford as Bill Bryson, Nick Nolte as his buddy Katz, and Emma Thompson as Bryson’s wife.

Copies of the book in all available formats can be checked out at the six Livingston County libraries. Visit www.livingstonreads.org for more information about supporting events, book discussions, and the private showing of the 2015 film A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater.

Livingston Reads is a “One Book, One Community” project offered by the six Livingston County libraries (Brighton, Fowlerville, Hamburg, Hartland’s Cromaine, Howell, and Pinckney), and is a program to encourage residents to read for pleasure, to create community through reading, and to promote the exploration of ideas, knowledge, and a love of Michigan!

This countywide literary project has for the past fourteen years highlighted the Livingston County libraries as centers for culture, entertainment, and enlightenment, and positioned our libraries as leaders in promoting the joy of reading. Livingston Reads is sponsored in part by the local Friends of the Library organizations. The Friends of the Howell Library sponsorship is in memory of Mary Goestch. Find out more at www.livingstonreads.org.

Livingston Reads 2019 Events In Your Backyard

Brighton District Library

Monday, March 11, 2019, 7:00pm-8:00pm, Room A/B, Free
Join the Howell Nature Center for an In Your Backyard look at Michigan wildlife. We offer an opportunity to appreciate and learn about the wildlife living in our own backyards. Experience live animal interactive demonstrations including Kili the Bald Eagle, along with a “how to” on helping your wild neighbors thrive! All Ages. Register beginning Monday, Feb. 25.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks and Sun Catcher Wind Chimes
Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 7:00pm-8:00pm, Room A/B, Free

Use pressed flowers to create your very own personalized bookmarks and sun-catcher/wind-chimes. Join our class to learn more about the beauty of nature! Ages 8-12. Register beginning Tuesday, February 26.

Nature Getaways
Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 7:00pm-8:00pm, Room A/B, Free

Ron Rademacher is back to talk about some of the most overlooked nature areas in Michigan. In each, you’ll find easy trails that are accessible to anyone, and are usually shorter than 1 mile – no mounting climbing expertise required! Ron will also tell you about local attractions near each trail, so you can turn your short hike into a day trip. Register beginning Tuesday, March 12.

Walking the Appalachian Trail
Sunday, March 31, 2019, 3:00pm-4:00pm, Room A/B, Free

What’s it like to actually walk 2,200 miles? Kayla McCarthy and her mom will share their amazing experience in words and pictures. Find out how to prepare, what gear to bring, and the hardest and most amazing things you might encounter! Register beginning Sunday, March 17.

Family Craft: Livingston Reads Edition
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 6:30pm-8:00pm, Room A/B, Free

Tonight we’ll create flower-seed bombs and gelli printed totes. Adults and children, ages 7 and older. Limit of 25 participants. Register beginning Tuesday, March 26.

Books & Brews Book Discussion: Livingston Reads Edition
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 6:30pm-8:00pm, Brewery Becker, Downtown Brighton, Free

Join us for a lively book discussion, located at Brewery Becker in downtown Brighton. This month’s selection is our 2019 Livingston Reads title, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. Books can be reserved through our shared catalog system or at the Information Desk. Drop-In.

Animals and Me: Keep Us Germ Free
Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 7:00pm-8:00pm, Room A/B

Discover the connection between germs and animals, including your own pets! This program features a hands-on activity to help participants understand that we can’t always see the germs we encounter daily. For families. Register beginning Wednesday, April 3.

The Livingston Libraries present A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Historic Howell Theater (315 E Grand River, Howell), Free


Come see the 2015 film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods (R) starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte—free with your library card! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is first come, first served, and you must present your library card from one of the six Livingston County libraries. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
No registration required

The Importance of Outdoor Play
Monday, April 29, 2019, 6:30pm-8:00pm, Room A/B
Learn why structured outdoor play is important. Discover what holds us back from
encouraging outdoor play and what to do to increase the interest of kids who are reluctant to go outside. Make the playground experience more meaningful by focusing on interactions between adult and child. For parents and care providers. Register beginning Monday, April 15.


Fowlerville District Library

Beyond the Book: A Walk in the Woods
Thursday, March 7, 2019, 7:00pm, Free

Featuring the book and its film adaptation. Movie begins at 7pm, followed by discussion. Movie-style refreshments will be served. *Space is limited. Register in person to attend. Registration begins February 14th. Books will be given to Fowlerville School District Residents while supplies last.

Appalachian Trail Presentation by Gail Lowe
Thursday, March 21, 2019, 7:00pm, $5 refundable cash deposit

Join us in welcoming hiking expert, Gail Lowe, to the Fowlerville Library. Gail has hiked the Appalachian Trail twice, and all three of the “Hiker’s Triple Crown” trails. Learn about how to prepare for a hiking trip, what you’ll need to bring with you, what not to bring with you, and useful tips & tricks for making your hiking experience a success! Refreshments will be served.*Space is limited. Register in person to attend. Registration begins February 28th and includes a refundable $5 cash deposit.

Recycled Magazine Baskets
Thursday, March 28, 2019, 7:00pm, $5 refundable cash deposit

Come to the Fowlerville Library to learn how to do a fun magazine recycling craft. Make a decorative basket and spend time with friends. By recycling paper and magazines, you can help prevent deforestation. Magazines will be provided. Refreshments will be served. *Space is limited. Register in person to attend. Registration begins March 14th and includes a refundable $5 cash deposit.

The Livingston Libraries present A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Historic Howell Theater (315 E Grand River, Howell), Free

Come see the 2015 film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods (R) starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte—free with your library card! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is first come, first served, and you must present your library card from one of the six Livingston County libraries. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
 No registration required


Hamburg Township Library

Registration required for all program except movies. Please call 810-231-1771 or visit www.hamburglibrary.org to register.

Hiking the Camino
Monday, March 4, 2019, 6:30pm, Free

Join David Larwa, a modern day pilgrim, along his 575 mile route through France and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important Christian pilgrimages of the Middle Ages. He will also display many of his maps, books, and backpacking gear.

Rustic Twig Frame
Thursday, March 14, 2019, 12:00pm, Free

Join us to make a nature-inspired picture frame out of twigs, perfect for your spring décor.

Michigan’s Endangered Species
Monday, March 18, 2019, 6:30pm, Free

The Howell Nature Center will bring live animals that are native to our area and endangered. Audiences will learn how to help conserve threatened species, and see how successful conservation has saved some of Michigan’s most majestic species.

Trailside Treats
Tuesday, March 26, 2019, 6:30pm, $10/person

Join The Great Foodini, Renee Chodkowski, for her tasty take on what she would eat if she took to the Appalachian Trail. Even though her idea of camping is having coffee on her deck, she will present some fun recipes for cooking and eating in the great outdoors.

Michigan’s Trail Getaways
Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 6:30pm, Free

Ron Rademacher takes the traveler to some of the most overlooked trails and nature areas in Michigan, including other nearby attractions to make a great day trip. Each site has easy trails, so you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy them!

Book Club
Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 1:00pm, Free

Join your friends and neighbors for a lively book discussion.

America’s Long-Distance Hiking Trails
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 1:00pm, Free

Long distance hiker and backpacker, Gail Lowe, will present her adventures of over 18,000 miles on our nation’s longest hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail (twice), the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the North Country Trail (the only woman ever to thru hike all 4,600 miles).

Movie @ the Library
Wednesday, April 17, 2019, 1:00pm, Free
Come watch the 2015 film adaptation of A Walk in the Woods, starring Robert Redford. Rated R. Bring a snack and enjoy the show.

Nature Photography
Monday, April 22, 2019, 6:30pm, Free

Learn the basic principles of art and photography with local photographer Kevin Rau, especially in regards to capturing beautiful landscapes and scenes in nature. Bringing your own camera to follow along and learn about different techniques is optional but not required.

The Livingston Libraries present A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Historic Howell Theater (315 E Grand River, Howell), Free

Come see the 2015 film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods (R) starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte—free with your library card! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is first come, first served, and you must present your library card from one of the six Livingston County libraries. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
No registration required

Nature Walk
Tuesday, April 30, 2019, 6:30pm, Free

Meet up with Hamburg Parks & Recreation at the Merrill Trail Head, across the street from the Library, to learn about our local trails. They will be on hand to answer your questions and provide maps, information, and refreshments. This is not a guided walk, so bring some friends (or make some new ones) and have fun exploring the Lakelands Trail, Boardwalk Trail, or Huron River Trail at your own pace. Weather permitting. Rain Date is Tuesday, May 14.


Hartland’s Cromaine Library

Take a Hike: Gear Prep
Wednesday, March 6, 2019, 7:00pm, Village Community Room, Free
Join us for a three-part hiking series to learn how to prepare for and thrive on a hike! In this first session, learn the ins and outs of trail gear, how to pack and how to carry it all. Register online or by phone.

Homeschool Book Club: Camping & Outdoor Adventures
Thursday, March 14, 2019, 2:00pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Each month explore a book or subject and try a hands-on activity. Students select any book that relates to the month’s theme. This month: Camping and Outdoor Adventures. For grades K and up. Register online or by phone.

Take a Hike: Camping on the Trail
Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 7:00pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Join us for a three-part hiking series to learn how to prepare for and thrive on a hike! In this second session, we will talk about what to look for when setting up your site and how to keep yourself and your gear in one piece. Register online or by phone.

Decorate Hiking Sticks
Friday, March 22, 2019, 2:00pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Head out on the trail with your own hiking stick! Decorate a hiking stick with the supplies provided, or if you have any special items like feathers or beads you would like to use, please bring them. Register online or by phone.

Take a Hike: Eating on the Trail
Wednesday, March 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Join us for a three-part hiking series to learn how to prepare for and thrive on a hike! In this final of three sessions, we will cover what food to pack, how to prepare it and how to resupply. Register online or by phone.

Kids’ Night: Appalachian Folktales and Craft
Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 6:30pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Join Miss Loni for fun events and hands-on activities. This week: Appalachian Folktales and Crafts – A special storytime focusing on folktales and crafts from the Appalachian region. For grades K through 4. Register online or by phone.

Exploring the Appalachian Trail Presented by Thru-Hiker Dave Werk
Wednesday, April 11, 2019, 7:00pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Join Dave Werk, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, for a presentation on his experiences while hiking this iconic trail and what he learned along the way. Register online or by phone.

Recipe Club and Camp-Themed Potluck
Thursday, April 23, 2019, 2:00pm, Youth Program Room, Free

Bring your favorite dish that can be made while camping, or for a camping trip, and a copy of the recipe.
You’ll get to try all the dishes and walk away with some great new recipes. Plates, silverware and refreshments provided. Register online or by phone.

The Livingston Libraries present A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Historic Howell Theater (315 E Grand River, Howell), Free

Come see the 2015 film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods (R) starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte—free with your library card! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is first come, first served, and you must present your library card from one of the six Livingston County libraries. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
No registration required


Howell Carnegie District Library

Michigan Wildlife with Andrew Nowicki
Wednesday, March 6, 2019, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Meabon Room, Free
Learn about our state’s native animals with local naturalist Andrew Nowicki. No registration required

Travel Your Taste Buds with the Great Foodini
Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Meabon Room, Free
If you chuckled while reading how Bill Bryson stepped outside of his comfort zone to hike the Appalachian Trail, then you can guarantee some laughs when Renee, who swears that she is camping when having coffee on her deck, shares her idea of “glamping” while dining along the AT.
Space is limited. Registration required and begins Tuesday, February 26, 2019 online at www.howelllibrary.org, by phone 517-546-0720 x106, or in person at the Information Desk.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail with Mark St. Amour
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Meabon Room, Free

In 2012, Mark St. Amour celebrated his retirement from the Ann Arbor Police Department by fulfilling a life-long dream: hiking the Appalachian Trail. Hear about his “trek of a lifetime” from Georgia to Maine on the longest hiking-only footpath in the world.
No registration required

Spring Foraging 101 with Lisa Rose
Monday, April 15, 2019, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Meabon Room

Join herbalist, forager, and author Lisa Rose on a wild journey to learn about local plants that can be used for food and herbal medicine. Come away with tips on proper identification, harvesting ethics, traditional uses, and recipes. Bring walking shoes; if the weather is favorable, the group will take a walk around the perimeter of the Library.
No registration required

The Livingston Libraries present A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Historic Howell Theater (315 E Grand River, Howell), Free

Come see the 2015 film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods (R) starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte—free with your library card! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is first come, first served, and you must present your library card from one of the six Livingston County libraries. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
 No registration required


Pinckney Community Public Library

The Hills are Alive…with the Sound of Music
Thursday, March 7, 2019, 4:00pm

Appalachian music is a fitting metaphor for American history because it emerged from a blend of various musical influences stewing together in the remote Appalachians. Join local musician and founder of the Huron River Revivalists, Grace Reynolds, as she does a live presentation featuring Blue Grass and music from the Appalachian Mountains.

Howell Nature Center: In Your Backyard: Woodland Creatures
Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 6:30pm
Off the Shelf Book Discussion: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 6:30pm
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).

The Livingston Libraries present A Walk in the Woods at the Historic Howell Theater
Saturday, April 27, 2019, 7:00pm, Historic Howell Theater (315 E Grand River, Howell), Free

Come see the 2015 film adaptation of Bill Bryson’s humorous travelogue of hiking the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods (R) starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte—free with your library card! Doors open at 6:30pm. Admission is first come, first served, and you must present your library card from one of the six Livingston County libraries. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
No registration required


 

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The Livingston Post is the only locally owned, all-digital information and opinion site in Livingston County, Mich. It was launched by award-winning journalists who were laid off from the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus by Gannett Co. Inc. in 2009.