By 1808Delaware
Travel enthusiasts and book lovers, mark your calendars! Renowned travel writer and public television host Rick Steves is set to appear in Central Ohio for a captivating evening of storytelling and inspiration. Presented by the Delaware County District Library and 11 other Central Ohio libraries, An Evening with Rick Steves will take place on Thursday, February 20, at 7:00 PM at Mershon Auditorium (1871 N. High St., Columbus).
Journey Back to the “Hippie Trail”
In his latest book, On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer, Rick Steves takes readers on an adventure back to 1978, when a 23-year-old Steves embarked on the famed 3,000-mile “Hippie Trail.” This formative journey, captured in a 60,000-word journal, set the foundation for his lifelong mission to encourage meaningful and culturally broadening travel experiences.
Steves will bring his stories to life during the event, sharing vivid memories of the journey that shaped his career and inspired his dedication to connecting people through travel.
Central Ohio Libraries Join Forces
This event is the result of a collaboration between 12 Central Ohio libraries, showcasing the strength of community partnerships. Libraries participating in this initiative include:
- Bexley Public Library
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Delaware County District Library
- Grandview Heights Public Library
- Granville Public Library
- London Public Library
- Marysville Public Library
- Plain City Public Library
- Southwest Public Libraries
- Upper Arlington Public Library
- Westerville Public Library
- Worthington Libraries
These libraries, all part of the Central Library Consortium (CLC), share resources, costs, and expertise to bring impactful programming to the region. Such collaborations emphasize the libraries’ role in fostering community engagement and enhancing cultural awareness.
Tickets and Event Details
Tickets for An Evening with Rick Steves are available now on Ticketmaster. Here’s what attendees can expect:
- Ticket prices: $15-$50, plus applicable fees.
- Book discounts: Purchase On the Hippie Trail with your ticket at a discount and pick it up at the event.
- Book signing opportunity: Books purchased in advance or at the event through Beanbag Books can be signed by Steves after his presentation.
- Presentation: Enjoy an engaging talk by Rick Steves as he reflects on the transformative experiences of his 1978 travels.
About Rick Steves
Rick Steves is America’s leading authority on European travel, with a career spanning decades. Since founding Rick Steves’ Europe in 1976, he has authored a best-selling guidebook series, hosted a popular public television show, and led over 30,000 travelers on small-group tours annually. Through his work, Steves empowers travelers to explore Europe in ways that are affordable, enriching, and culturally immersive.
A Celebration of Libraries and Community
The Rick Steves event underscores the importance of libraries as hubs of learning and cultural exchange. By coming together for large-scale events like this, Central Ohio libraries amplify their impact, enriching the lives of readers and travelers alike. As part of their broader mission, the Central Library Consortium aims to connect communities across seven counties through resource-sharing and innovative programming.
Image by B. Hochsprung from Pixabay
