Prairie Perpendicular - The Novel
Prairie Perpendicular by Marston Moore tells a story familiar to all those involved in agriculture in the 1970s. Farmers and residents of prairie towns discovered that familiar seasonal rhythms of planting and harvest could not cope with erratic markets driven by global production and demand. Tom Cooper, the manager of the Sheffield Farmers Elevator, is caught up in the dynamics of Midwest grain marketing when he decides to sell farmer-owned corn.

Moore bases the plot of Prairie Perpendicular on his experience as a farmer, elevator operator and educator. Moore paints this story in vivid emotional colors that illuminate the human cost of agribusiness. He continues to chart the cost of change on the high plains from his farm in North Dakota.

Many old acquaintances, friends and former neighbors enjoyed visiting with the author on Saturday, June 19 during the library's open house. Mr. Moore offered copies of Prairie Perpendicular in exchange for a donation to the library. If you missed Prairie Perpendicular on Saturday, copies are still available.

Marston Moore grew up in the Withee area so we consider him a local author. Other local authors whose books are included in our collection are:

Jerry Bus - A War of Their Own (History)
Mary Carlson - Journey from Cornwall (Memoir)
Louise Rasmussen Olszewski - A Taste of Family and Food (Cookbook and family history)
Susan Purkapile - Nosy Noodles the Curious Cow, Otto the Blind Otter and The Adventures of Billy the Blue Gill (Children's Books illustrated by local artist
Barbara Ducommun)
Victoria Roder - The Dream House: Visions and Nightmares (Romance)
Kara Lynn Russell - The Prodigal Father, Orchard Hill Romances, and Nick and Noelle (Romance)
Doreen Lynn Tomczak - The Color of Change (Photography and poetry)

Stop by and discover the many talented authors and artists in our area.

Open House this Weekend

The NEW Withee Public Library will hold an open house this Saturday and Sunday, during Withee Days. We will be open from 10-2:00 on Saturday and from 11:00-2:00 on Sunday. On both days visitors will be able to enjoy refreshments, shop our used book sale and view displays. Louise Olszewski has created several displays of Withee History throughout the library. Vita Gosse made a display on Coral Reefs for the children's room, to go with this year's library reading theme - "Make a Splash @ Your Library."

In addition, on Saturday Marston Moore, formerly of Withee and author of the novel Prairie Perpendicular will appear from 11-12:00 and from 1:00-2:00. Children can join in a Sea Serpant Party in the children's room. They can come whenever they wish and leave when they need to.

Please drop in during Withee Days to help us celebrate our beautiful new building. I'm sure you'll see why we love it so much.