Friends of the Library: 2026 Book Talks
by Carol Hart Perry
Join friends who love to read at one of several planned Book Talk sessions at the Robson Ranch Library in 2026.
The first session is Tuesday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m. Four nonfiction books will be discussed, with approximately 20 minutes allotted per book. Scheduled are the following:
• The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book, by Peter Finn and Petra Couvee, presented by Elaine Kushmaul. Pulling some background from an Amazon review, “This is the dramatic story of how the novel Dr. Zhivago became a secret weapon in an ideological war.”
• The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder, by David Grann, presented by Scott Baker. More insight comes from Gann’s website, explaining The Wager is “a rousing story of a maritime scandal … a brisk, absorbing history and a no-brainer for fans of historical thrillers.”
• Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins, by Barbara Demick, presented by Deborah Diehl. From Demick’s website, details explain that this book is “the heartrending story of twin sisters torn apart by China’s one-child policy and the rise of international adoptions.”
• Guardians of the Trees: A Journey of Hope Through Healing of the Planet: A Memoir, by Dr. Kinari Webb, presented by Lorraine Wilson. Goodreads says this read is “full of hope and optimism … an exhilarating, galvanizing journey across the world.”
Other sessions scheduled for 2026 include the following:
The Frozen River. This work of historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon will be presented by Jane Scholz. The date is Thursday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m.
Fahrenheit 451. This classic by Ray Bradbury will be presented by Lorraine Wilson. The date is Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
James. This work of fiction by Percival Everett will be presented by La Donna Womochel and Cindy Voliva. Included in the discussion will be how this book compares to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the experience of the character Jim/James as portrayed in both books. The date is Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2:30 p.m.
If you love books, consider joining the Friends of the Library club for $10 per year. Memberships paid after May 1 are active through June of the following year, and proceeds go to buy books, puzzles, and magazines. To join, see any library volunteer or visit the website at www.rrtxfol.org.
The library is located in the Creative Arts Center (CATC) building off Ed Robson Circle. Park in the convenient lots right outside the building, enter, and have your PDK app or card ready to unlock the library door. The library is opened daily from the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Volunteer staff is available to help patrons on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The first session is Tuesday, March 10, at 2:30 p.m. Four nonfiction books will be discussed, with approximately 20 minutes allotted per book. Scheduled are the following:
• The Zhivago Affair: The Kremlin, the CIA, and the Battle Over a Forbidden Book, by Peter Finn and Petra Couvee, presented by Elaine Kushmaul. Pulling some background from an Amazon review, “This is the dramatic story of how the novel Dr. Zhivago became a secret weapon in an ideological war.”
• The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder, by David Grann, presented by Scott Baker. More insight comes from Gann’s website, explaining The Wager is “a rousing story of a maritime scandal … a brisk, absorbing history and a no-brainer for fans of historical thrillers.”
• Daughters of the Bamboo Grove: From China to America, a True Story of Abduction, Adoption, and Separated Twins, by Barbara Demick, presented by Deborah Diehl. From Demick’s website, details explain that this book is “the heartrending story of twin sisters torn apart by China’s one-child policy and the rise of international adoptions.”
• Guardians of the Trees: A Journey of Hope Through Healing of the Planet: A Memoir, by Dr. Kinari Webb, presented by Lorraine Wilson. Goodreads says this read is “full of hope and optimism … an exhilarating, galvanizing journey across the world.”
Other sessions scheduled for 2026 include the following:
The Frozen River. This work of historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon will be presented by Jane Scholz. The date is Thursday, April 9, at 2:30 p.m.
Fahrenheit 451. This classic by Ray Bradbury will be presented by Lorraine Wilson. The date is Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 2:30 p.m.
James. This work of fiction by Percival Everett will be presented by La Donna Womochel and Cindy Voliva. Included in the discussion will be how this book compares to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the experience of the character Jim/James as portrayed in both books. The date is Thursday, Oct. 15, at 2:30 p.m.
If you love books, consider joining the Friends of the Library club for $10 per year. Memberships paid after May 1 are active through June of the following year, and proceeds go to buy books, puzzles, and magazines. To join, see any library volunteer or visit the website at www.rrtxfol.org.
The library is located in the Creative Arts Center (CATC) building off Ed Robson Circle. Park in the convenient lots right outside the building, enter, and have your PDK app or card ready to unlock the library door. The library is opened daily from the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Volunteer staff is available to help patrons on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrating Robson Library Volunteers
by Ralph Berry
Each year the more than 70 volunteers to the Robson Ranch Library donate more than 6,000 cumulative hours to keep the library running smoothly. Most of the volunteers take regular weekly shifts as “librarians” to help patrons locate books, puzzles, or movies; check items in and out; accept donations; manage the computers; or generally put a friendly face to the library experience. Others help with technology, sales of books no longer on shelves, or serve on committees dedicated to library management and advocacy.
To celebrate the volunteers, Robson Ranch and the Facilities Library Subcommittee hosted a volunteer thank you reception on Nov. 19. The volunteers were treated to wine, cheese, and crackers, a cake in their honor, and thank you turkey favors, designed and created by Marcia Elving in honor of Thanksgiving. A PowerPoint show by Lorraine Wilson and Nancy Tarpley dedicated to the volunteers’ time played throughout the event, and the chairman of the Facilities Library Subcommittee, Ralph Berry, gave a few remarks of thanks about the passion for the written word that is evident in all volunteers and the valuable role they play in this unique amenity at Robson Ranch. Did you know that the library is the only HOA amenity at Robson staffed 100% by volunteers?
The RR Library, located in the CATC building, is open daily during CATC hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Volunteer staff is available to help patrons on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Note: You will need the free PDK phone app or $5 PDK card, available at the HOA office, to enter and exit the library.) For more information on the library, visit www.robsonlibrary.org.
To celebrate the volunteers, Robson Ranch and the Facilities Library Subcommittee hosted a volunteer thank you reception on Nov. 19. The volunteers were treated to wine, cheese, and crackers, a cake in their honor, and thank you turkey favors, designed and created by Marcia Elving in honor of Thanksgiving. A PowerPoint show by Lorraine Wilson and Nancy Tarpley dedicated to the volunteers’ time played throughout the event, and the chairman of the Facilities Library Subcommittee, Ralph Berry, gave a few remarks of thanks about the passion for the written word that is evident in all volunteers and the valuable role they play in this unique amenity at Robson Ranch. Did you know that the library is the only HOA amenity at Robson staffed 100% by volunteers?
The RR Library, located in the CATC building, is open daily during CATC hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Volunteer staff is available to help patrons on Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Note: You will need the free PDK phone app or $5 PDK card, available at the HOA office, to enter and exit the library.) For more information on the library, visit www.robsonlibrary.org.