Dexter Patterson, author of “Birds of the Great Lakes.” will be part of a Saturday afternoon discussion and meet-and-greet event at the Shawano County Public Library.
He will talk about his birding adventures at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 as part of the 2026 Community Read program.
Community Read officially kicked off Jan. 12 with an unveiling of the books on the library’s Facebook page.
Shawano County Library Community Read will focus on four books throughout the entire year.
The four featured books are:
• “Night Magic” by Leigh Ann Henion, an invitation to explore the natural world and its creatures after dark.
• “Better Living Through Birding” by Christian Cooper, a memoir by the gentleman who was arrested for birding while Black and his joys and sorrows in the natural world.
• “The Last Fire Season” by Manjula Martin, a reflection on living in Northern California through the most severe fire season on record.
• “Soil” by Camille Dungy, a story of a Black woman’s life told through her garden.
In addition to the books and discussion groups, other reading materials, events and activities will be planned at all six Shawano County Library sites across the county.
Also, a special Facebook group page will be created full of information for those participating in the Community Read.
