Community Calendar

Explore democracy, civic engagement, and social change through thought-provoking books and discussions. This club delves into historical and contemporary works that highlight the power of participation in a democratic society. Join us to read, reflect, and connect with others passionate about making a difference. All are welcome!

We will read:
Common Sense – Thomas Paine (December 18)
Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life – Eric Klinenberg (January 15)
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States – Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (February 19)

Thursday January 22nd 7:00 to 8:00 pm

Mark Novak is a writer who works primarily from the San Francisco/Bay Area. He holds an M.A. in Creative Writing and Poetry from San Francisco State University. His work has been featured in the “Monterey Poetry Review,” “Miserere Review,” “Lothlorien Journal of Poetry,” and “Bards West,“ His work, ‘The Vagabond Quothe Shakespeare’ was the 6th place finalist in the Writer’s Digest National Poetry Awards (2017). He is both a voice talent for readings and a contributing writer for the poetry database, Voetica.com. His chapbook, ‘Sonnets For Agnodice’ was recently picked up by Finishing Line Press in their annual 2025 Open Chapbook Contest, and is due to be published by their publishing house in May of 2026.

Barry Vitcov lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife and exceptionally brilliant standard poodle. His poetry and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications, including: “EAP: The Magazine,” “Literary Yard,” “The Scarlet Review,” “Fiction on the Web,” “Labyrinth,” “Mobius Blvd.,” “Black Sheep,” “Dark Horses,” “Jefferson Review,” and “The Rapids: An Art & Literature Journal of Southern Oregon.” He has had four books published by Finishing Line Press, a collection of poetry, “Where I Live Some of the Time” (2021); a collection of short stories, “The Wilbur Stories & More” (2022); a chapbook collection of poems “Structures” (2024); and a novella “The Boy with Six Fingers” (2025). In addition to his chapbook “Boychik Poems,” FLP will be publishing a collection of short stories “Unknown & Other Stories” in early 2026.

Friday January 23rd 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Rick Fröberg was an accomplished artist and musician born in Southern California who spent most of his early creative years in San Diego before moving to New York, and then back to San Diego toward the end of his life. While juggling both of his creative outlets, he established a meaningful, urgent, vital, and powerful platform. Plenty for All: The Art of Rick Fröberg represents the many chapters and layers of his visual art practice. All of the different bodies of work he made are examined in detail–presenting the viewer with a well-rounded survey of his life’s work, mostly in chronological order.

One of the most compelling and fascinating aspects of this volume is the physical progression of Fröberg’s line work and brushstroke, and his eventual adaptation to digital means. His artwork was often featured on the record covers of his own bands, as well as other groups he met on the road, and much of his early work also appeared on posters, flyers, ads, skateboard graphics, logos, and T-shirt designs, before eventually progressing to illustrations in magazines, books, and newspapers. Fröberg’s paintings, drawings, etchings, and prints were also shown at art exhibitions throughout his career.

Plenty for All is the first look at his visual artwork in book form. It will be of great interest across the globe to his many fans (he played in a range of popular bands, including Pitchfork, Drive like Jehu, Hot Snakes, and Obits). Fröberg’s work has become very influential, and an inspiration to quite a large group of people in both the art and music worlds. He is sadly missed and mourned, but this volume will no doubt further his creative legacy. It includes short essays by curator Rich Jacobs and musician/artist Sohrab Habibion.

At this event there will be a panel discussion followed by a short musical set. Featuring:
Sohrab Habibion (Obits, Savak)
Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys)
Alexis Fleisig (Girls Against Boys)
Bobby Arellano (Bonnie Prince Billy)
Jodie Jean Marston
Craig Wright

Once a month, read and discuss a banned book. Explore what caused these books to be banned, what being banned means, and how this impacts us as a society. We will talk about the who and the why, and if we agree or disagree. Stop by the Medford Reference desk to pick up a copy of the month's current title while supplies last!

December: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

January: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Three Books to Chill Your Bones by Alvin Schwarts

February: Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Explore democracy, civic engagement, and social change through thought-provoking books and discussions. This club delves into historical and contemporary works that highlight the power of participation in a democratic society. Join us to read, reflect, and connect with others passionate about making a difference. All are welcome!

We will read:
Common Sense – Thomas Paine (December 18)
Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life – Eric Klinenberg (January 15)
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States – Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (February 19)