[Libs-Or] Deschutes Public Library's 4th Annual "Novel Idea" Program Kicks Off

[chantal strobel]

Deschutes Public Library presents the 2007 


"A Novel Idea... Read Together"


Bowerman and the Men of Oregon 


 


April 2, 2007 (Bend, OR.)The Deschutes Public Library Foundation presents the fourth annual "A Novel Idea... Read Together" countywide reading and discussion program with a book that celebrates the spirit of Oregon through the life of one man, Bill Bowerman.  The 2007 "Novel Idea" selection is Bowerman and the Men of Oregon by author Kenny Moore. The book describes the life of Bill Bowerman, the University of Oregon's legendary coach and co-founder of Nike.  Author Kenny Moore, a former senior writer for Sports Illustrated and a world-class runner under Bowerman's tutelage, delivers a fully realized portrait of this complicated man.

Moore traces Bowerman's lineage back to Fossil, Oregon where he was raised by strong women of pioneer stock.  He details the beginning of Bowerman's sports glory days at Medford High which propelled him to the University of Oregon.  Moore includes Bowerman's heroics as a 10th Mountain Divison commander in Italy during World War II and describes his breakthrough work in developing track athletes at the University of Oregon.  Readers will learn more about Bowerman's experience as the head U.S. Olympic track coach for the Munich Games, and how Bowerman designed the prototype athletic shoe that launched a multibillion-dollar company called Nike.  

"Bill left us with a legacy," said Moore.  "Bill showed what it means to be pioneer stock.  He took the Oregon Trail virtues of ingenuity and tenacity, added his earthy humor, and solved almost every problem on which he turned those blazing blue eyes." 

             More than 20 programs are planned for the month-long celebration that kicks off Sunday, April 15 with the Bowerman Brothers, Jon and Jay, sharing stories and music of Fossil, Oregon, to the culminating event with author Kenny Moore at Bend's Tower Theatre on Friday, May 11. The book is available at each of the five public Libraries throughout Deschutes County in Bend, La Pine, Redmond, Sisters, and Sunriver Area.  All programs are free and open to the public.

            "We believe Bowerman inspires readers to take pride in the history of this great state," said Community Relations Manager Chantal Strobel.  "And the "Novel Idea" programs are intended to strengthen the particpant's knowledge and interest in the variety of topics discussed in the book."  

            For more information visit the Deschutes Public Library's website at www.dpls.us <http://www.dpls.us> 

or call 541-312-1031.

 

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