Book Club and Library Author Visits Fathom's authors are pleased to meet with book clubs and participate in library author visits. Our authors of northern biography, memoir and fiction books are ideal for adult book clubs. Authors are happy to read their children's books to youth groups. Our authors enjoy sharing more about their stories and hearing from their readers. Suggested authors for teen and adult book clubs: Teena Helmericks, W.R. Kozey, Bonnye Matthews, Janice J. Schofield, Bradford D. Smith, Nancy Verlinde Suggested authors for children's readings: Tami Barrans, Bonnye Matthews, Janice J. Schofield, Rachael J.E. Sprague, Constance Taylor Ordering Books for Book Clubs Book Club rates are available to book clubs wishing to purchase books for club members. Click for Book Club Order Form and Terms. Tips for author visits

Dinosaur fossil footprints have yielded remarkable insights into these extinct animals’ behaviors, revealing evidence of everything from running speed to migration and even swimming. They’re a bit odd as fossils go, representing the memory of something rather than containing a bit of an actual animal. So, how is it that dinosaur footprints fossilize, enduring for millions of years? Footsteps fall under an area of palaeontology known as ichnology, which looks at fossilized traces like trackways, butt drags, and lek scratches. Such fossils can reveal a lot about dinosaur behavior if you know how to read them, and the process that preserves their prints isn’t unique to dinosaurs. “We think of footprints as things that don't last very long, but as someone even looking for dinosaurs walking around the desert, I can find footprints from people who passed the same way years before,” said science writer and palaeontologist Riley Black to IFLScience in an episode of The Big Questions about dinosaur sex. “They might not always be the highest resolution, but in the right situations, in the right circumstances, where you have a wet sediment that's able to take the shape of the foot that becomes dried out, then covered over, you're basically recreating a mold and cast naturally.” Imagine yourself walking along a riverbank. The water has recently receded, leaving behind a muddy bit at the river’s edge. You look behind you and see a trail of your footprints. Probably not going to be there tomorrow, right? But what if that patch stays dry long enough for the Sun to come out and dry it up. That mud could then hold its shape, and when it rains or the river’s levels rise again, it washes new sediment into the print you have made. That fresh sediment could also get baked by the Sun and harden. Leap forward a few million years and through the process of being pressed, becoming rock, and getting raised, some keen-eyed citizen scientist finds the fossilized ancient footprint and its counterpart. “You basically wind up with a mold and a cast, much like you might make with plaster of Paris,” said Black. “It's more or less the same concept." “That's how so many of these traces become preserved. So, it's really remarkable that they can be preserved at all, that all these moments where these things would otherwise have eroded away and would just disappear most of the time, [that instead] that’s what happened.” We’ve been lucky to uncover countless dinosaur footprints over centuries of exploration, some of which represent the largest dinosaur trackways known to science. Remarkable to think, then, that they represent such a miniscule snapshot of a period in geological time, as most animals that ever lived on this planet will leave nothing behind. “It's the same thing as fossil bones,” said Black. “We think of bones and things as sturdy, but they still require relatively rapid burial. They still need to be protected within the sediment to be preserved, and the same principles are at play with ichnology as well.” So, if you want to leave some footprints behind, best get stomping along some riverbeds. And if you want to become a fossil? Well, that’s going to require a bit more planning.

Even when the days are short, the snow is deep, and the temperatures are frigid, winter offers a rare and rewarding experience in Denali National Park. Snow softens the landscape, crowds disappear, and the park feels vast and quiet. For travelers willing to plan carefully and embrace colder conditions, Denali in winter offers recreating in snow, aurora viewing, and quiet landscapes. When to Visit Denali in Winter Winter in Denali typically spans from October through early April. Measurable snowfall begins as early as mid-September. The coldest temperatures and shortest days are in November to January. Winter conditions are most challenging during these months. February through April marks a gradual return of daylight and milder temperatures. By late February, days grow longer, winter recreation improves, and access along the Denali Park Road may extend as far as 13 miles, depending on conditions. Late winter is also a prime time for aurora viewing and seasonal events such as Denali Winterfest, typically held in late February. Getting to Denali National Park in Winter Winter travel to Denali requires flexibility, weather awareness, and careful planning. Driving conditions, daylight hours, and extreme cold can all affect travel plans. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure, carry emergency supplies, and let someone know your travel plans. Cell service is limited once you leave communities near the park entrance. By Car from Anchorage or Fairbanks Driving is the most common way to reach Denali in winter. The Parks Highway connects Anchorage and Fairbanks to the park entrance, but winter driving conditions can include snow-packed roads, ice, blowing snow, and limited daylight. A winterized vehicle, good tires, and experience driving in winter conditions are essential. In winter, the Denali Park Road is typically open to private vehicles for the first 3 miles. Access may extend farther in late fall and again starting in late March. Always check current conditions before heading out, as access can change quickly. The Alaska Railroad operates the Aurora Winter Train between Anchorage and Fairbanks on weekends during the winter season. The train makes a flag stop in Denali, but travelers should arrange transportation from the station to their lodging in advance, as winter services are limited. Where to Stay Near Denali in Winter Accommodations in the Denali area are closed in winter, but nearby communities offer year-round options. Healy, located about 15 minutes north of the park entrance, serves as the primary base for winter visitors. Several hotels, lodges, and cabins remain open year-round, along with limited dining and services. Fairbanks is another option for travelers who want to include Denali as a day trip, especially for aurora viewing and Interior Alaska winter adventures. The park is approximately 120 miles south of Fairbanks. For winter campers, Riley Creek Campground near the park entrance is open year-round and free during the winter season. No reservations are required mid-September to mid-May for tents or vehicles, though services are minimal. Backcountry camping is also an option with a free permit, available at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Dining and Supplies Dining options near Denali are limited in winter. A small number of restaurants remain open in Healy, but hours and availability can change seasonally. Visitors should plan to bring meals and snacks with them, especially if staying in cabins or camping. Inside the park, there are no food services during winter. The Murie Science and Learning Center does offer an indoor picnic area with restrooms, tables, and a microwave, making it a convenient place to warm up and eat lunch. Winter activities in Denali are largely self-guided and weather dependent. Dressing in layers and carrying emergency supplies is essential for all outdoor activities. The Murie Science and Learning Center serves as the park’s primary winter hub. Open throughout the winter season, it offers films, a small exhibit area, ranger information, and Junior Ranger activities. Visitors can also borrow snowshoes and ice grippers free of charge, making it a great starting point for winter exploration. Denali’s sled dogs are an important part of the park’s winter operations. The sled dog kennels are typically open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays during winter, though dogs may be out on training runs or important patrolling missions. Even when the dogs are out, the kennel area offers an educational exhibit about how sled dogs support winter travel and park management. Visitors with their own dogs can enjoy dog-powered activities such as skijoring and dog sledding where permitted. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular ways to explore the park. Some trails are groomed for skiing near the park entrance area, while others are more suitable for snowshoes. Winter hiking is also possible, though traction devices are often necessary due to icy surfaces. Fat biking is allowed on the Roadside Bike Trail and the park road, providing another way to experience the snowy landscape. Downhill backcountry skiing and snowboarding are possible in some areas but typically require long climbs and advanced winter travel skills. Snowmachine access in Denali depends on snow cover and seasonal regulations. Not all trails are open to motorized use, and conditions vary widely. Visitors should check current regulations and conditions before planning a snowmachine trip. Denali’s location and minimal light pollution make it an excellent place for aurora viewing during winter. Clear nights from late fall through early spring offer opportunities to see the northern lights dancing above snowy ridgelines. Viewing conditions depend on solar activity and weather, so patience and flexibility are key. Denali Winterfest, held in late February, celebrates winter with guided activities, educational programs, and community events. It’s one of the liveliest times to visit Denali in winter and a great opportunity to connect with the community. Visiting Denali National Park in winter is about slowing down and embracing the season. With fewer services, limited road access, and cold temperatures, winter travel here requires planning, flexibility, and respect for the environment. In return, visitors are rewarded with quiet landscapes, winter recreation, and a stillness that’s hard to find during the busy summer months.

On January 22, 2003, Chinese paleontologists discovered the fossil of a dinosaur species with four wings. The 130-million-year-old fossil was covered in preserved feathers across its …

Alaska’s junior alpine skiers returned to training this week after weather forced delays during last weekend’s Coca-Cola Classic alpine race series at Alyeska.

A Winnipeg homeowner has sculpted dinosaurs out of snow and ice on his front yard. Subscribe to CTV News to watch more videos:…

From kelp forests to sea grass meadows, these charismatic predators are quietly holding parts of the coast together.

Streaks of shimmering green and red bands exploded in the dark skies above Alaska's largest city Tuesday as the aurora provided a light show for early morning dog walkers, joggers and commuters.

What made these dinosaurs so huge? Scientists point to one surprising feature: the neck.

Discover four Alaskan gateway towns that offer flights, lodging, and local flavor on the way to remote Lake Clark National Park.

This new hiking spot provides incredible views of the Pacific coast and a pristine estuary full of animal and plant life, plus access to an uncrowded beach.

Science News: In a startling flip-flop on our perspectives on ancient civilisations, scientists have discovered baby dinosaur fossils buried in Arctic permafrost, t.

Retired farmer and traveling photographer from Verona, N.D., Katherine Plessner never expected one of her images to end up on a national postage stamp.

EVANSTON — During the fall, Joshua Adolphsen was walking his dog, Blue, along the river bed at the Bear River State Park when he noticed an unusual “rock” along the edge of the river. Being an …

Explore why Alaska beats California, Idaho, Denver, Connecticut, and Puerto Rico as the ultimate U.S. travel destination for your next unforgettable getaway.

The story of Hansel and Gretel is one of literature's most well-known. But you've never seen it quite like this before.

New clues hidden inside T. rex bones suggest that the carnivore lived longer lives than we thought

The number of glittering glacial lakes is just one of the reasons to book an unforgettable trip to Alaska.

Photographer Terry Noah and his colleagues were snapping away on Ellesmere Island in the Arctic Circle when they encountered two animals who many found to be unexpectedly calm