This summer, Botetourt County Libraries are thrilled to bring in-person events to introduce you to two amazing authors who cover local topics.
On Friday, May 20, 6 p.m. at Tizzone’s, journalist Kathryn Miles will discuss her book “Trailed: One Woman’s Quest to Solve the Shenandoah Murders.” In May 1996, two young women were brutally murdered while backpacking in the Shenandoah National Park. The prime suspect appeared to be the wrong guy. So, whodunnit? After extensive interviews and research into this cold case, Miles thinks she knows. As an award-winning journalist with a Ph.D. under her belt, Dr. Miles is the perfect person to track down the real culprit.
If you haven’t read the book, get in line for a copy from your local library or purchase a copy from local bookseller Book No Further at the event. But you don’t have to have read the book to come to the author talk. In fact, it’s a great way to decide whether you’ll be interested in reading the book! Enjoy a buffet of hors d’oeuvres as you listen to Miles’ gripping tale, ask your questions, and get your book copy (if you choose to purchase one) signed by the author.
The next day (Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m.), come to the Eagle Rock Library to hear local author Ken Conklin discuss the subject of his biography “Norvel: An American Hero,” exploring the life of Botetourt native Norvel Lee. If you enjoy local history and stories of amazing people, you’ve got to hear Conklin’s talk.
Born in 1924 in the rural segregated Black community in Eagle Rock, Norvel Lee became a local hero when he won the light heavyweight gold medal in boxing and the Val Barker Trophy as the outstanding boxer at the 1952 Olympic Games. Lee went on to become a Tuskegee Airman, WWII veteran, senior USAF Reserve office, youth mentor, scholar and prominent educator in the Washington, D.C. area.
That doesn’t mean Lee’s journey was easy. He accomplished all of this despite growing up with limited resources and education, having opportunities curtailed by Jim Crow laws, and dealing with a speech impediment. Lee also left his mark as an early civil rights activist. He challenged his arrest under Jim Crow laws (sitting in a whites-only section of a train), appealing and winning his landmark case before the Virginia State Supreme Court in 1949.
You don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear about this remarkable person and hero from local author and Botetourt resident Ken Conklin. Thanks to the Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum, you’ll also have the opportunity to see Lee’s boxing shorts, gloves, and other memorabilia up close when you come to the talk. Want to read about Lee’s life? You can borrow the biography from the library or purchase a copy and get it signed by the author.
We can’t wait to introduce you to these amazing authors!
Book sale in Blue Ridge May 19-21
Friends of the Blue Ridge Library will be holding a book sale May 19-21. The sale begins on Thursday, May 19, from 5-8 p.m. The sale continues on Friday, May 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a large variety of books for sale. Hardcover books are priced at $1 each and paperback books are priced at 50 cents each. Prices will drop to half off during the last hour of the sale, from 1 to 2 p.m. on the 21st.
Proceeds from the book sale help the Friends to support library programs such as the annual summer reading challenge or to purchase materials that the library needs, especially those not covered in the annual operating budget.
Blue Ridge Library is located at 28 Avery Row on US 460 east about a half-mile east of the Bonsack Walmart. For directions, call 540-928-2900.
