The history of the Slocan Valley is synonymous with the people who have travelled through it, enjoyed its abundant resources and built their homes and communities there. Rita Moir, who has made her home in the valley since 1975, is one of those people.

Moir presents her beautiful book of images and essay, The Third Crop: A personal and historical journey into the photo albums and shoeboxes of the Slocan Valley 1800s to early 1940s, at the Elkford Public Library on Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m.

In The Third Crop, Moir embarks on a personal journey through memorabilia found in private albums, dusty shoeboxes, and community archives, skillfully and passionately recounting the stories of an era that was pivotal in forming the character of the Valley. More than 160 historic photographs are beautifully juxtaposed with contemporary images of the valley.

The Third Crop is Moir’s fourth book. Survival Gear (Polestar, 1994), Buffalo Jump: A Woman’s Travels (Coteau, 1999), The Windshift Line: A Father and Daughter’s Story (Greystone, 2005), have all been shortlisted for or have won awards, including B.C.’s Hubert Evans award.

One Book, One Kootenay (OBOK), a project of the Kootenay Library Federation, is a region-wide book club that celebrates the work of the talented writers living in the Kootenay Boundary. Two other great books, Tom Wayman’s collection of short stories Boundary Country, and Jennifer Craig’s Yes Sister, No Sister, round out the shortlist.

In addition to Moir’s reading, Wayman and Craig will appear virtually through two short films created for the Kootenay Library Federation by Kootenay filmmaker Amy Bohigian.

One Book, One Kootenay shortlisted books are chosen by a panel of learned librarians. Now, it’s up to readers to vote for the book all Kootenay booklovers should read this year. All of the OBOK shortlisted books are available in your local library.

For more information go to the Kootenay Library Federation website at obok.ca, where you can find out more about the authors and their books, look for literary events near you, and engage in online conversations or post comments.

Ballot boxes will be at Kootenay libraries Library from April 1 to August 10. Readers’ Choice will be announced September 8, on International Literacy Day.

Diane Andrews,

Elkford Public Library

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