Step Back in Time for The Big Read

 The Parachute Branch Library offers a fun-filled afternoon of history on Saturday, February 23 for The Big Read.

Local singer/songwriter Nate Adams will start at 12:30 p.m. with a 30-minute tribute to Woodie Guthrie. Like Woodie, Adams plays by himself – just his guitar, harmonica, and croonin’. Come listen to Guthrie’s traditional folk and blues songs and hear stories about the "Dust Bowl Troubadour” himself.

Starting at 1 p.m., esteemed author and historian, Andrew Gulliford, will talk about talk about Colorado oil shale. Gulliford will present an illustrated slide lecture on the history of Colorado oil shale from its bright future in the early 1920s through the roller coaster ride of boom and bust in the early 1980s. Gulliford will also discuss the future prospects for oil shale development and the impacts such development would have on the Western Slope’s water supplies, air quality, and public land amenities. Gulliford invites the audience to participate in this conversation by bringing photos, stories, memorabilia, or anything else to share about the oil shale boom and the bust. Before you leave, check out the lobby display with 1930s items on loan from the Grand Valley Historical Society,

“The Dust Bowl” photo exhibit on loan from Texas Humanities, and, weather permitting, vintage autos on display in the library parking lot!

For more information, contact the Parachute Branch Library at (970) 285-9870.