Parsons Public Library, 311 S. 17th, will host a book discussion of “Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains” by Lucas Bessire at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29. Stan Basler will lead the discussion. Copies of the book are available now.
The Ogallala aquifer has nourished life on the American Great Plains for millennia. But less than a century of unsustainable irrigation farming has taxed much of the aquifer beyond repair. Bessire journeyed back to western Kansas, where five generations of his family lived as irrigation farmers and ranchers, to try to make sense of this vital resource and its loss. “Running Out” was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Outstanding Western Book Award.
Bessire is an associate professor of anthropology at the University of Oklahoma and the author of “Behold the Black Caiman: A Chronicle of Ayoreo Life.”
Basler is the pastor of Galesburg United Methodist Church. He is an ordained elder (retired) in the United Methodist Church. He is also a retired attorney and former Montgomery County commissioner.
For six years, he served as a visiting professor of restorative justice and prison ministry at St. Paul School of Theology, and for 20 years was an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City University School of Law. For 16 years, he was an instructor at St. Paul School of Theology Course of Study School. He taught courses in restorative justice, church mission, systemic sin and leadership. For 13 years, Basler practiced law. For 18 years, he served as director of criminal justice and mercy ministries, Oklahoma Conference, United Methodist Church. Basler has served as a volunteer to the Oklahoma Innocence Project at Oklahoma City University School of Law since 2018.
Parsons Public Library is located at 311 S. 17th. For more information, contact the library by calling 620-421-5920.
