Friday, February 02, 2024

The Fond du Lac Winter Reads program will come to an exciting conclusion in February with the biggest events of the season scheduled this month. From a virtual visit from author Christina Soontornvat to joint programs with community organizations, the Fond du Lac Public Library will have something for everyone.

Many of the events in February will be tied directly to the community reading selection, “All Thirteen,” written by Soontornvat about a youth soccer team rescued from a cave in Thailand. 

To help community members better understand Thai culture, a special program will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. in the McLane Room. Participants will discover the art and joy of cooking one of the most famous Thai food of all times, Som Tum Thai papaya salad. 

This program consists of a complete set of the history of Som Tum with hands-on activities. Everyone will get to experience the five senses of hearing (music), taste (eat), touch (cooking), smell (food), and sight (learn). Registration is required at calendar.fdlpl.org.

Kids can get in on the fun on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. in the McLane Room during Homeschool Art as they learn about Thai comic artist Payut Ngaokrachang. Participants will also get to create a project in their style. No registration is required.

Then, on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m, Soontornvat will join the Fond du Lac Public Library virtually to talk about her book and its creation. This will be a special, all-ages, one-time peek behind the scenes of the true story by a person who interviewed members of the Wild Boars youth soccer team. Visit the McLane Room to view the conversation; no registration required.

Finally, on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the McLane Room, gain insight into how emergency services work together – just as they did in “All Thirteen” – when members of the Fond du Lac Fire & Rescue Department visit. They will talk about their training as well as how they work with other local agencies to prepare for emergencies and improve community safety. No registration is required.

Don’t forget: participants can win prizes just for participating. Log minutes read on the library’s online portal, Beanstack, and get entered for a grand prize. Don’t like to track your progress online? Patrons may use paper cards that are available at the Fond du Lac Public Library as well.

Be sure to read “All Thirteen” during your winter reading adventure to be best prepared for February’s programs. The book is available through the Fond du Lac Public Library in hardcover, Playaway, audio CD, and audiobook via Libby.

The book, appropriate for most readers aged 10 through adults, tells the story of 12 young players of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach who become trapped in a cave in northern Thailand when unexpected rains flood the cavern entrance. This true story details the heroic 17-day rescue operation involving thousands of rescuers from around the globe in 2018.

Learn more about Fond du Lac Winter Reads by visiting fdlpl.org/winterreads or log in to fdlpl.beanstack.org to start logging participation.