Our things literary.
This FIVE ON edition focuses on the theme of welcoming. The books are sure to inspire new connections and an appreciation for the many volunteers and organizations who make a habit of extending themselves. Marking Roanoke Welcoming Week (Sept. 14-23), the list was compiled by Roanoke Public Libraries Director Sheila Umberger and Stephanie Holladay, executive director of Blue… Continue reading ★ FIVE ON Welcoming: New homes and the paths to them (Adult titles)
In honor of Pride month, Dr. Gregory Rosenthal offers a list of five books for better understanding LGBTQ+ experiences. Most are available for reading at the Roanoke LGBT Memorial Library, located inside the Roanoke Diversity Center. First, a little background: Dr. Rosenthal, an assistant professor of public history at Roanoke College, co-founded the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+… Continue reading ★ FIVE ON: LGBTQ+ experiences from public historian Gregory Rosenthal
In the FIVE ON series, we're sharing book recommendations on focused topics from those in the know. This week: Boones Mill Town Manager Matt Lawless on good government. LAWLESS: I'm a rookie town manager, and I'm working hard to learn about my new home and empower residents in this community. At 29, I know… Continue reading ★ FIVE ON Good Government from Boones Mill Town Manager Matt Lawless
Last night's Finding Roanoke conversation (on chapter four of Dar Williams' What I Found in a Thousand Towns) probed Roanoke's transformations over decades, asking questions such as: How do we thoughtfully and inclusively continue the successful revitalization efforts begun decades ago with Center in the Square? Who historically has gotten pushed aside in the wake of… Continue reading ★ FIVE ON better understanding the experience of race in Roanoke
In this new series, we're passing along must-read recommendations on key topics from BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke residents. To kick it off, longstanding civic leader Rupert Cutler offers five books on environmental stewardship. About Rupert: Rupert’s seemingly inexhaustible civic energy has fueled the opening of Explore Park and the beginnings of both the greenway trail… Continue reading ★ Recommended by local readers: FIVE ON environmental stewardship from Rupert Cutler
BOOK CITY ★ Roanoke 