Everybody reads “The Residue Years”

Multnomah County Library’s Everybody Reads 2015 project is featuring Mitchell S. Jackson’s novel, “The Residue Years.”

In the past, the Everybody Reads project has chosen authors who “talk about issues that matter” and “promote greater understanding,” according to the library’s webpage.

Megan Dugan, Mt. Hood Library manager, said, “The point behind it is that throughout the year people in the community (who) read the book can come to programs and be thinking about, talking about, sharing ideas all around the same topics.”

Readers are supposed to pass the book on to another person, so that they can read it as well. Dugan said some readers who don’t have someone to pass a book to will leave it on a bus seat or “under the bench in the park.”

The MHCC Library has decided to incorporate the Everybody Reads into its facilities. It asked the Multnomah system for some copies of Jackson’s novel. A few copies have gone to the Diversity Resource Center (DRC), but the Library kept a substantial amount to give out free to students.

Dugan said there are still close to 60 copies left. If any students still want one, they should ask for one in the Library.

The novel’s author, Jackson, grew up on the streets of Portland, struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine. According to Dugan, his close ties to Portlanders is what made her think this would be a good book for students.

The DRC is partnering with the Library to promote this program. Melinda Bullen, DRC coordinator, just started the Layers of Learning book circle, focusing on Jackson’s book. Participants will meet at noon Monday, and the following three Mondays in February, in the DRC.

On Tuesday, Mt. Hood’s “Lunch and Learn” session is the kick-off for events that will be related to “The Residue Years.” It will be centered around “Guns and America” and is being presented at noon in the Town & Gown Room by Pablo Savery from the Oregon Humanities Project and Reed College.

On Feb. 18, the DRC will host a panel discussion that will be solely focused on “The Residue Years.” Reading enthusiasts and academic advisers will gather at the Maywood Park campus at 6 p.m.

Another event related to Jackson’s novel is the 7:30 p.m. presentation that Jackson himself will be giving at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in downtown Portland, on Mar. 10.

Tickets can be bought at http://www.literary-arts.org/event/everybody-reads-2015-mitchell-jackson/