Book Notes

Authors address

environmental issues

New Dominion Bookshop will host a discussion and book signing of “The American West at Risk: Science, Myths and Politics of Land Abuse and Recovery” by Howard G. Wilshire, Jane E. Nielson and Richard W. Hazlett at 12:15 p.m Friday.

The book speaks to rising concerns over environmental calamities and offers ways to combat the damages.

His 35-year career with the U.S. Geological Survey included geologic mapping, Apollo astronaut training and lunar research, studies of processes operating in the earth’s upper mantle and lower crust, and broad-ranging studies on geologic processes at the land surface.

Nielson earned three degrees in geology and geochemistry and is a co-founder of the Sebastopol Water Information Group and serves on the board of directors for Open-Space, Water and Land Conservation Foundation.

Hazlett, who has a doctorate from the University of Southern California, is a professor of geology and coordinator of the Pomona College Environmental Analysis Program in Claremont, California.

He has researched volcanoes in Hawaii, Italy, Alaska, Central America and the Cascades, and is an author of books on Mt. Kilauea volcano.

New Dominion Bookshop is at 404 E. Main St. For more information, call 295-2552.

Library launches movie/book series

The Jefferson-Madison Regional Library is starting a new series on Friday.

Books Made into Movies will make its debut with the screening of “Seabiscuit” at 2 p.m. at Northside Library.

The book by Laura Hillenbrand was made into a movie in 2003 that was nominated for seven Oscars.

Other events at associated with the library include:

l Acme Swing will perform its musical celebration of the Harlem Renaissance at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fellini’s Big Read Night.

l The Wednesday Night Book Group will discuss “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gordon Avenue Library.

l Noon Notes: Evening at the Opera will be held noon Friday at Northside Library. The series of discussions is held before each Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra subscription concert weekend.

Director Kate Tamarkin will lead the talk and feature guest artists.

Big prize in store

at Valentine’s event

Barnes and Noble will host a free Valentine’s Day event with Fancy Nancy from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

The morning event will kick off with a story time, followed by crafts and refreshments. A drawing for children up to age 13 will take place at 12:30 p.m. Prizes include a copy of a Fancy Nancy book and grand prize of a Princess Tiara necklace provided by Finks Jewelers.

For more details, call 984-6598.

Travel writer visits New Dominion

New Dominion Bookshop will host Jeffrey Tayler at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Tayler will give a reading and sign copies of his new book, “Murderers in Mausoleums Riding the Back Roads of Empire Between Moscow and Beijing.”

A veteran travel writer, Tayler traveled across the largest landmass on earth, the vast expanse separating Moscow and Beijing. He takes readers over unfamiliar, dramatic terrain to examine the age-old cultures and political contradictions of a fractured region.

Tayler is a correspondent for Atlantic Monthly and a contributor to Conde Nast Traveler, Harper’s Magazine and National Geographic. He also is the author of “Facing the Congo,” “Angry Wind” and “River of No Reprieve.”

He lives in Moscow with his wife.

New Dominion Bookshop is at 404 E. Main St.

Call 295-2552 for more details.

Grizzard discusses George Washington

Frank E. Grizzard Jr. will be at Michie Tavern from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday to answer questions about George Washington.

Grizzard has a doctorate in history from the University of Virginia, was a former senior associate editor of the Papers of George Washington editorial project and is the director of the Lee Family Digital Archive at Washington and Lee University.

He is the author of “George! A Guide to All Things Washington” and the new “143 Questions and Answers About George Washington.”

The lecture is free. A book signing will follow.

For more details, call 977-1234.

From staff reports