PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Library is preparing to kick off the 11th annual Community Read program March 1 with a look at the intersection of capitalism and climate change.
Those living in and around Port Townsend are invited to read Naomi Klein’s This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate and take part in community discussions about the book, Melody Sky Eisler, library director, told about 30 members of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.
“You don’t have to agree with the premise of the book. It’s a wonderful conversation starter,” Eisler said of the shared reading experience and community discussions that it might spark.
Klein’s 466-page book examines the question of whether climate change can be reversed without a shift from capitalism.
It includes 100 pages of cited research notes and sources.
“It’s OK to start with the conclusion,” Eisler said.
She added that although much of the book can be disheartening to read, the end is hopeful, so reading the end first might make it easier to read through the rest of the book.
Klein, a Canadian author, is a member of the board of directors of the climate activist group 350.org.
She also has written The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism and No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies.
Klein, 45, is a contributing editor for Harper’s and reporter for Rolling Stone, and writes a regular column for The Nation and The Guardian.
Eisler said the author cannot appear in person during March but that organizers are working to arrange a long-distance session with her, perhaps on Skype.
Eisler said the book was the top choice of 42.2 percent of the 244 library patrons who were polled online and on paper at the library.
“We like to do books that fit our community,” she said, noting that the popularity of This Changes Everything was overwhelming in comparison to past selections.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown came in second with 15.6 percent, and Saltwater Taffy by Eric DelaBarre, a children’s book set in Port Townsend, received 14.8 percent.
The Port Townsend Friends of the Library purchased 100 copies of Klein’s book for library patrons to check out and share with their friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Events will begin with a kickoff showing of a film version of the book, also titled “This Changes Everything,” Eisler said.
She said the film was made by the author’s husband, Avi Lewis, and is about the emotional aspects of the subject, documenting people around the world who are trying to protect their resources and communities, whereas the book is primarily data and information.
The kickoff will be followed by a series of book discussion groups, both informal and in-depth, as well as forums on related topics, classes and a juried art show all month at the Northwind Arts Center, 701 Water St.
“Radical Change: A Juried Art Show” will feature visual mediums on the theme of climate change and will open with a reception at 5:30 p.m. March 5.
An in-depth discussion of the book will be broken into two sessions in two locations each, with morning and evening sessions.
“We can’t really discuss this in an hour. There is a lot more to it,” Eisler said.
The first session will examine the first half of the book, and the second half of the book will be covered two weeks later.
Morning discussion sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. March 5 and March 19 at the Quimper Grange in Port Townsend,
Evening discussion sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. March 15 and March 22 at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock.
A family-friendly day is scheduled for March 19.
The Ocean Commotion Family Action Day will be held at 1 p.m. March 19 at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
The library also will seek suggestions for the 2017 Community Reads book, Eisler said.
Because of the serious nature of This Changes Everything, the library is seeking a less heavy work of fiction for the next selection, she said.
For more information on the Community Read program or to inquire about where to get a copy of This Changes Everything, phone the library at 360-385-3181.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
