Community ‘tastes’ books in Carson City reading project

Linda Bellegray attended Carson City Library’s Book Tasting on Friday evening, and determined the sampling to be delicious.

“I’m interested in several of these books,” she said. “There’s a plethora of ideas about how to improve cities in practical ways right here in these books. Our city fathers should be here.”

The Book Tasting offered free wine and appetizers. Participants were also able to preview books for the Capital City Reads project and rate them according to the book’s cover, description and a brief excerpt.

The theme of this year’s reading project, as well as the Summer Learning Program, is “Building a Better Community.”

“We hope it helps people develop ideas to improve, develop or act in their community,” said Natalie Wood, the library’s creative learning manager. “These books will make them think about current topics and how to be forward thinking.”

The three main books of focus for the read during April are: “Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist’s Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations,” by Thomas L. Friedman; “Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design,” by Charles Montgomery; and “The New Better Off: Reinventing the American Dream,” by Courtney E. Martin.

Lisa Stocke-Koop met with Rhonda Abend to taste wine and books.

“I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to support the library,” Stocke-Koop said. “It seemed fun and interesting. I couldn’t wait to spend time with my friend having a glass of wine and a good discussion.”

Abend, director of the Carson City Classic Cinema Club, had a professional interest in the event as well.

“I have a nonprofit, and we help disadvantaged kids get involved in the arts,” she said. “I thought this would be a good topic to add to what we are doing in the community.”

Anyone interested in participating may stop by the library to pick up a copy of any of the books. There will also be a recommended reading list of additional titles available for check out with a library card. All titles are also available as ebooks and several as e-audiobooks on the library’s OverDrive website www.carsoncitylibrary.overdrive.com.

Feedback about the books can be left at a bulletin board set up near the checkout desk at the library or on social media using the hashtag #capitalcityreads.

For information, go to carsoncitylibrary.org or call 775-887-2244.