Geology from the road

As I planned a recent hiking trip to eastern Oregon, I knew I would bring two essential companions: my good old dog, and The Roadside Geology of Oregon by David Alt and Donald Hyndman.

This handy little book explains, in easy layman's terms, the geological processes that shaped our extraordinary state. Interestingly, because it is designed as a travelers' reference, the book is organized by road. So, for instance, as you travel along U.S. Route 26 through Mitchell and John Day, you can flip to the appropriate section of the book and read an explanation of those astonishing red, purple and green cliffs you can see alongside the highway.

The library has several books in the Roadside Geology series. They're great to have along on your next trip.

Public libraries are dying!

Actually, no. A lot of people predicted the public library would go extinct, since information is so easily available on the Internet. In fact, more people are using the library than ever.

In January of 2010, the Newport Public Library circulated 23,648 items. That's up 13 per cent from January of 2009. December 2009 was up 10 per cent from December of 2008. November was up 25 per cent. And so on.

That trend is statewide. According to statistics collected by the Oregon State Library, Oregon ranks number 2 in the nation in items circulated and patrons served.

Now, don't get the idea that we're lighting our cigars with dollar bills. We are supported mostly by the City of Newport, where the budget is tight and the councilors have a lean and hungry look. But even though we're forced to spend less money, we are serving more people and checking out more items than ever before.

In all, we are happy to inform you that reports of our death are greatly exaggerated. It is the support of our loyal patrons that keeps us alive, so we thank you for that.

Oregon Road Trip In Your Future?

There are few books that can be characterized as indispensable, but to my mind the Oregon Atlas and Gazetteer, published by DeLorme, might just be one of them.

Filled with detailed topographical maps of the entire state, the Oregon Atlas and Gazetteer is a great road atlas, recreational guide, vacation and travel guide, and is the perfect place to start researching your next Oregon adventure. The maps are detailed enough to get a sense of road surfaces, from multi-lane expressway to unpaved logging road, and the topographical features let you know just how up and down your trip is going to go. Global Positioning grids also allow you to synch up your own GPS to the atlas to know where you are down to the foot! Also included is a list of campgrounds with basic information on their sites and services. The atlas suggests outdoor adventure locations for hunters, fishers, skiers, bikers, hikers and boaters. A list of family outing locations and unique natural features rounds out the terrifically informative introductory pages.
I keep one in my car at all times. I never know when I might come to an unknown intersection and wonder “just where does that road go?” With the Oregon Atlas, I always know.

We also keep a reference copy on the atlas stand next to the lower level information desk, so one is always available for your perusal.

The Oregon Atlas and Gazetteer: don’t leave home without it.