21st Annual Community Read: Ian's Ride: A Long-Distance Journey to Joy by Karen Polinsky
Schedule
Sun, 01 Mar, 2026 at 09:00 am
UTC-08:00Location
Port Townsend Public Library | Port Townsend, WA
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The City of Port Townsend has proclaimed March as the official "Reading Month." The Annual Community Read promotes closer ties among community members through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book and ideas related to the book. This year we are reading Ian's Ride: A Long-Distance Journey to Joy by Karen Polinsky. Ian’s Ride is both a personal journey and an adventure quest for nature lovers, endurance athletes, and anyone struggling with a life-changing loss or diagnosis. This deeply moving true story examines how we exist in our bodies, adapt to and overcome adversity, and what it means to push our limits.
Come get a copy of the book! A limited number of free copies of the book are available at the Port Townsend Public Library on a first-come first-served basis. Additional copies will be available at the Library, or you may purchase a copy at Imprint Bookshop.
Read the book, then pass it on to others.
Prepare for a discussion about the book with your own book group or join in the groups listed below. A brochure with discussion issues and questions is available at the Library.
Attend the many in-person events during the month of March!!
Thank you to all our sponsors and partners of this annual event.
Special Events (All Events Free!)
ALL MONTH MARCH 1–31
Choose Your Own Adventure Log beginning March 1–31
Walk, roll, and run throughout March keeping track on your library adventure log. Pick up your log at the library March 1st. Submit at the end of the month for a chance to win prizes!
StoryWalk March 1–31 Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park
A fun outdoor daylight adventure for the whole family to enjoy. Explore anytime during March.
Soundcheck – Community Read Kickoff Pancake Breakfast
March 1 (Sunday) Fort Worden Commons 9:00–11:00 am
Enjoy pancakes followed by a self-guided walk with your Community Read Adventure Log.
Brewocracy Now – KPTZ
March 5 (Thursday) KPTZ 91.9 FM 12:30 pm
Technology and Accessibility with the Quadfather Todd Stabelfeldt
March 5 (Thursday) Carnegie Reading Room 6:00 pm
Meet the Quadfather from Ian’s story and learn how technology is making the world more accessible.
Book Lover’s Café – Ian’s Ride: A Long-Distance Journey to Joy
March 5 (Thursday) Carnegie Reading Room 2:00 pm
Join the library’s book club for a group discussion.
ADA Accessibility and Active Transportation Plan in Port Townsend with Assistant City Engineer Jeff Kostechka and DASH
March 12 (Thursday) Carnegie Reading Room 6:00 pm
Learn more about the City’s Active Transportation Plan.
Storytime Connections with Judith Bows
March 18 (Wednesday) Children’s Room 2:00 pm
Kids and families – join us for an afternoon of stories, arts & crafts, and other activities.
Olympic Discovery Trail Talk with Peninsula Trails Coalition
March 19 (Thursday) Carnegie Reading Room 6:00 pm
Learn about the history, recent upgrades, and future of this trail from the Peninsula Trails Coalition.
Guided Birding Walk with Rainshadow Bird Alliance
March 22 (Sunday) Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park 9:00 am
Join experienced birders for this all-ages, accessible interpretive walk.
Meet the Author: Karen Polinsky and Ian Mackay
March 26 (Thursday) Northwest Maritime Center 6:00 pm
Join a presentation and reading, followed by a book signing and books for sale from Imprint Bookshop.
Art in Action: Bike Repair with the Recyclery
March 27 (Friday) Port Townsend Public Library 3:00 pm
Watch a live demonstration on how to fix your bike.
PTFF & The Rose Theatre Present: Soul Surfer (Free Film – PG)
March 28 (Saturday) Rose Theatre 10:00 am
Tickets will be available through The Rose Theatre's website.
Book Discussions:
March 11 (Wednesday) Pourhouse 5:00 pm
March 18 (Wednesday) Aldrich’s Mezzanine 10:30 am
Book Group Discussion Questions
Thank you to all of our sponsors:
SPONSORS: Port Townsend Library Friends and Foundation and our community partners: The Port Townsend Film Festival, Rose Theatre, Imprint Bookshop, DASH, Rainshadow Bird Alliance, Northwest Maritime Center, Aldrich's, Pourhouse, Port Townsend School District, Port Townsend Jefferson County Leader, Peninsula Daily News, and KPTZ 91.9 FM.
Learn more: https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/community-read
Love the story? Help Ian's mission for a more accessible outdoors: https://www.iansride.com/
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Where is it happening?
Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St,Port Townsend, Washington, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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