Author who won Pulitzer Prize visits Stillwater Library

Author Paul Harding burst onto the literary scene with his debut novel, "Tinkers," which netted him the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for fiction as well as the PEN/Robert Bingham Fellowship for Writers. It also was recognized as one of the best debut fiction books of 2009 on the lists of the New Yorker, National Public Radio and several other national publications.

Harding, who was a drummer for the band Cold Water Flat in the 1990s, will talk about his book at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Stillwater Public Library. His appearance is part of the winter series of Club Book, a program coordinated by the Metropolitan Library Service Agency that brings prominent writers to suburban libraries across the Twin Cities.

Harding's appearance is also one of the featured events of "Valley Reads," a two-week reading program for residents of the St. Croix Valley that began Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 25. This is the seventh year for the reading program that is centered around three books: One for kids, one for teens and one for adults. With the theme "Telling Time," this year's selections are "Black and White" by David Macaulay, "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbittcq, and Harding's "Tinkers" -- all books that are meant to challenge readers to ponder questions about time, said Jessica Pack, director of ArtReach St. Croix.

Harding grew up north of Boston and served as an apprentice to his grandfather, who repaired clocks. Those experiences found their way into "Tinkers."

Valley Chamber Chorale presents 'Peace Work' The Valley Chamber Chorale will swing back into action with three performances featuring an array of choral parings that deal with peace in our individual lives, the community, the country and the world.

Guests Phil Kadidlo on keyboards and Kip Jones on violin will perform when the ensemble presents its "Peace Work" concerts at 8 p.m. Friday, at 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday and at 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Historic Washington County Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater.

Tickets are $27, or $22 for students and seniors. Call 651-430-0124.

There's a noncompetitive snowshoe hike put on by the NorthStar Trail Travelers where hikers can make their way along a 1-kilometer or 4-kilometer route, or both, between 1 and 5:30 p.m. A limited number of snowshoes will be available at the park. The cost for the event is $2.

Later, a naturalist will lead a hike along a luminaria-lit path and direct the search for owls that make the park home. The hike begins at 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras.

William O'Brien State Park is 12 miles north of Stillwater on Hwy. 95. For more information, call 651-433-0500.