Barry EstabrookWinona State University will host a public lecture by Barry Estabrook, author of WSU’s 2013-14 Common BookTomatoland,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in Harriet Johnson Auditorium, Somsen Hall.

A book signing will follow the lecture, and Estabrook will participate in several other events during his visit Oct. 14-15 to the Winona State campus.

Prior to his evening presentation, Estabrook will visit Jim Armstrong’s Creative Nonfiction class from 11 to 11:50 a.m. Oct. 14, in Minne 358. The class will be open to the public, and visitors should be prepared to discuss “Tomatoland.” RSVP to Armstrong at Jarmstrong@winona.edu.

Estabrook also will participate in a panel discussion on “Local, Sustainable Farming” from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct.14 in the Student Activities Center, Kryzsko Commons. Panelists include local farmers from Herbal Turtle Farms, Hoch Orchards and Whitewater Gardens.

Estabrook will participate in a second panel discussion on “Immigrant Labor” from 10 to 11 a.m. Oct. 15, in the Student Activities Center, Kryzsko Commons. Panelists include Doug Nopar (Land Stewardship Project), Ernesto Velez Buscos (Centro Campesino), Colette Hyman (WSU Professor of History), and Celia Lewis (Immigrant & WSU student)

The Common Book Project will also sponsor two film showings this month. “A Place at the Table” will be screened at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in SLC 120.  The film tells the powerful stories of three Americans, who maintain their dignity even as they struggle just to eat. WSU will also screen “King Corn” at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in SLC 120. The film explores the role of corn in the US food system.

Estabrook is scheduled to visit WSU again during spring semester 2014.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, email Ann-Marie Dunbar at adunbar@winona.edu.