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March 2026 Article
LO Reads April Events Calendar and Highlights 2026
Contributed by Friends Board Member Vera Vos.
This year’s LO Reads chosen book is Tilt by Emma Pattee, a story that takes place in the setting of a major earthquake in our part of the country. This premise, plus many other issues surrounding the protagonist, are all explored in more detail during LO Reads Events during the month of April.
The numerous options available may leave you a bit unbalanced (pun intended) but will not be interesting and fun, there are also several related to Emergency Preparedness that may, literally, save your life. Click here to check out the calendar and event descriptions. (www.lopl.org/LOREADS). Or pick up a description brochure with calendar at the Lake Oswego Public Library. Some events require prior registration; click here to register. (www.lakeoswegoreads.org/register)
Below are a few highlights:
Lake Oswego Reads Art Show
Tuesday, April 7 at Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 South State Street. Doors open at 6:00pm. Artist presentations start at 6:45 pm.
I have to say this will be my first time at the Lo Reads Art Show and I’m intrigued by how the artists will present this book, with a myriad of themes, in art form. Will artists show our community in a tumble after “The Big One," will we behold a rendition of IKEA with furniture making instructions? Will we witness people seeking water, food, help or maybe collapsed bridges and buildings? Maybe we’ll look at the role of geology in the making of our planet and how it continues at its own slower-than-snail pace to reshape our world and our lives. It’s possible we’ll view nothing of earthquakes but get a visual of the beauty and drama of our local acting community or, maybe the importance of the phrase “it takes a village” when thinking about maternal health, childbirth and parenting. I can’t wait to enjoy the offerings!
If you can’t make it on Tuesday evening, the art exhibition will be open for public viewing throughout the month.
The History of IKEA
Thursday, April 9 at the Library, 706 Fourth Street 5:30 pm
My husband and I have spent many hours sitting in empty rooms screwing together (no pun intended!) IKEA furniture as we changed both our location and our lives, over the years. We’ve always found the furniture holds up well to the onslaught of children and grandchildren and also to our bank account.
According to Nancy Niland, this year’s LO Reads Coordinator, Librarian Carissa Barrett, “has become positively OBSESSED with IKEA, and will share everything she has learned about these incredibly successful Swedish furnishings stores.”
Having been to Sweden, IKEA reflects a lifestyle of “enough is enough” and “more is not better,” which might be a good direction for all of us to be aiming for.
“Swedish treats will be available with no assembly required!” Nancy adds.
All the World’s a Stage
Friday, April 17 at the Library, 706 Fourth Street 2:00 pm
For any fan of theater, whether it be Broadway or regional, Nancy McDonald will keep the audience completely engaged with tales of what it's really like in the theater world. She has a lifetime of experience as an actor, director and teacher on Broadway and more locally. Her charismatic storytelling will be a delight!
The Making of “The Pacific Northwest Disaster Guide” and the Future of Disaster Resiliency in the Pacific Northwest
Tuesday, April 21 at Lake Theater and Cafe, 106 North Street. Doors open at 6:30 and presentation starts at 7:00 pm.
Now we’re getting to the nitty-gritty of how to prepare for when, not if, disaster strikes. Whether in the form of earthquake, wildfire, wind event, flood, tornado, hurricane, or other situation that leaves you without electricity, food, water, shelter, and/or separated from family, a disaster is very likely to happen in a person’s lifetime. This great book will help you prepare in advance. Author Henry Miller will explain how he came to write this book and what he’s working on next. He will answer specific audience questions at the end of the program. Also, one hundred copies of the book will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. What could be better?
Mini Emergency Preparedness Fair from 5:30-7:00 pm
Author Presentation: Emma Pattee at 7:00 pm
Both are on Sunday, April 26 at Lakeridge High School, 1235 Overlook Drive
I heard that, despite the mini, this Emergency Preparedness Fair will be filled with useful information to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors to weather the storms of a disaster. Together is always better than alone when faced with challenges and knowledge trumps panic in any situation.
Hearing a book unfold from an idea to an LO Reads chosen book is a story that only the author can tell. I’m looking forward to hearing Emma Pattee tell us her story.