SALEM READS...Born a Crime

Read the Book. Discuss the Topics. Enjoy the Programs.

A community-wide project, Salem Reads invites all to read the same book, take part in discussions and enjoy related programs every February. This year’s selection is Born a Crime, a memoir by South African comedian, television and radio host, and actor Trevor Noah which shares the story of his early life as the child of a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, born in South Africa during the waning days of apartheid.

HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING…

THROUGH FEB 26 — Salem Reads Art Exhibit — View work inspired by Born a Crime created by local professional artists.

FEBRUARY 2 — Fully Booked! Book Club — Meet with other adults to discuss Born a Crime. 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Collaboration Studio.

FEBRUARY 2 — Comedy Open Mic Night — A family-friendly comedy event hosted by The Infinity Room. Adult and teen comics who wish to perform should sign up in advance. 7-8:30 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium.

FEBRUARY 4 — South African History Lecture — Learn about the intricate history of South Africa from PSU professor Safia Farole, from colonialism to present time. 2-3 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium.

FEBRUARY 5-18 — Pathways to Citizenship Display — Learn about what goes into the naturalization process in the United States.

FEBRUARY 7 — Deadline — The People Who Shaped Me Writing Contest: Enter online or at Salem Public Library. 5 p.m.

FEBRUARY 7 — Brown Bag Book Club — Meet with other adults to discuss Born a Crime. 12-1 p.m. in the Collaboration Studio.

FEBRUARY 7 — A Look at Restorative Justice — Learn how reconciliation can improve and bond communities through effective, equitable, and transformative approaches. 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium.

FEBRUARY 15 — Page Turners: Teen Book Discussions — Middle and high school-aged youth meet to discuss Born a Crime and It’s Trevor Noah. Advanced sign-up is encouraged. Drop-ins are also welcome. 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Teen Scene Room.

FEBRUARY 15 — Working on Our Whiteness: An Oregon Humanities Conversation Project Event — This conversation is for white people to reflect together on what it means to “do our work” as white people, which includes taking responsibility for one another, educating ourselves, and coming to view other white people as our partners—not competition—in developing antiracist identity. 6-8 p.m. in Anderson Rooms A&B.

FEBRUARY 16 — Music as a Tool for Justice — An Oregon Humanities Conversation Project Event for Teens: Middle and high school-aged youth are invited to dive into a discussion of the role of music in shaping memories, communities, and justice, led by facilitator Donovan Scribes. Advanced sign-up is encouraged. Drop-ins are also welcome. 6-7 p.m. in Anderson Rooms A&B.

FEBRUARY 18 — Adult Writing Workshop: Childhood Memoir — Author Emilly Prado leads free writing workshop that focuses on recreating your childhood memories. Seating is limited. Advance sign-up is required. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Anderson Rooms A&B.

FEBRUARY 18 — Teen Writing Workshop: Childhood Memoir — Middle and high school-aged writers are invited to tap into their childhood memories to build dynamic stories in this free workshop taught by author Emilly Prado. Seating is limited. Advance sign-up is required. 2-4 p.m. in Anderson Rooms A&B.

FEBRUARY 21 — Effective Activism and Resistance — Local activists discuss how to channel your passion for change into action in this discussion of local social justice efforts and their impacts. 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium.

FEBRUARY 23 — The People Who Shaped Me Writing Contest: Reading and Awards — Hear the winning and honorable mention entries from our People Who Shaped Me 2023 Salem Reads Contest read aloud and celebrate our writers. 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Anderson Rooms A&B.

For more information about Salem Reads, call 503-588-6183 or visit www.splfoundation.org

Events are free and take place at the Salem Public Library. Some require advance sign-up at https://cityofsalemlibrary. libcal.com/calendar/events

NEED A BOOK?

Born a Crime is available to read (or listen to) in English and Spanish from the Salem Public Library. Additionally, multiple copies of the eBook and eAudiobook are available to download and enjoy on the cloudLibrary and Libby apps.