Book Club for Mortals: Water for Elephants In-Person / Online
NOTE: During the Library renovation, from June 2026 through January 2027, Book Club for Mortals will meet in the library of the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies at 1700 Brodie Ave. See below for detailed room information.
In keeping with our Summer Reading Program theme, "Unearth a Story," we'll discuss the beloved novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. In Water for Elephants, ninety-something Jacob Jankowski sits in a nursing home while a circus sets up outside — and a buried chapter of his extraordinary life begins to surface. In our discussion, we'll explore what it means to carry a defining story deep into old age and what becomes possible when it finally sees the light. Jacob's vivid, hard-won memories of the Depression-era traveling circus raise important questions for aging wisely and well: What stories have we kept? What does it cost us to hold them alone — and what might it mean to finally let them out? Join us for a rich conversation about memory, invisibility, the stories hidden inside long lives, and the unexpected ways the past can reclaim us.
Copies of the book are available for checkout at the first-floor service desk, and you can search our collection for additional copies and formats (eBook, audiobook, large print, etc.).
About Book Club for Mortals
This is a book club about aging wisely and well. We read a different book each month, with topics ranging from health and relationships to end-of-life issues, from the practical to the philosophical, and from the serious to the lighthearted. We discuss both fiction and nonfiction. This is a space for open, honest, and thoughtful conversations about interesting books and ideas. Discussions are led by Mindy Rickard, our longtime host and advance care planning advisor. The book club meets on the second Thursday of each month.
More program and location information
During the Library renovation, from June 2026 through January 2027, the Monthly Writing Group evening session will be held in the library of the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, 1700 Brodie Ave. From the main (south) door, cross the foyer, pass the rock wall with the quilted wall hanging on your right, then take your first right, into the door with the "Grether Library" sign above it. It's right across from the church office.
We'll need at least two registrations to hold the discussion, so we strongly encourage you to register. (You can always cancel if you won't be able to join us.)
Each month's book is available for checkout at the first-floor service desk, and you can search our collection for additional copies and formats (eBook, audiobook, large print, etc.).
Online registrants should receive a reminder email with the Zoom meeting link approximately one day before the program starts. If you didn't receive the email or are having trouble connecting to the meeting, please call the Library at 970-586-8116, and a staff member will assist you.
Related programs/resources
- Date:
- Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Time:
- 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
- Time Zone:
-
Mountain Time - US & Canada
(change) - Location:
- Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies - Library
- Organizer:
- Eric White
- Presenter:
- Mindy Rickard
- Audience:
- Adults (18+)
- Categories:
- Discussion