As part of the “Know Outdoors” series of events in May, the Deschutes Public Library is pleased to offer a presentation by local guide book author and climber Alan Watts on Smith Rock State Park at the Redmond Public Library on Thursday, May 12^th at 6:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Alan Watts, local writer and rock climber, will tell the story of Smith Rock climbing, from its humble origins in the 1930s through the present day with a multimedia presentation of personal recollections about his influential climbing career, along with stories of routes and individuals that have made Smith Rock famous. A native of Madras, Alan started climbing at Smith Rock in 1975. Over two decades, he pioneered hundreds of first ascents, including some of the most difficult free routes in the country. The style of climbing he developed at Smith Rock during the 1980’s helped change the direction of the sport internationally. In 2005, Watts earned a spot on Rock and Ice’s list of the ten most influential climbers in the history of US climbing. In 2009, the same magazine recognized him as one of the world’s 25 most influential climbers.

For questions about this or other library programs, or ADA questions, please contact Lisa McGean at 541/312-1034 or visit the library at www.deschuteslibrary.org/calendar.