Join the Lopez Library for its new series “Beyond Limits” celebrating the library’s books and media on adventure and exploration. The series features the breathtaking beauty of our planet and those who defy the limits of human endurance to explore it.

First out of the gate on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. mountaineers Jim Whittaker and Leif Whittaker take to the stage at Lopez Center. In May 1963, Seattle mountaineer Jim stepped into world history by becoming the first American to summit Mount Everest. He is still regarded highly for his mountaineering, as one of the founders of the outdoor recreation industry (REI) and as a keynote speaker.

Jim’s son Leif reached his first summit when he was 15 years old and since has climbed many of the world’s tallest mountains including Aconcagua, Mount Vinson and Mount Everest twice. He is a passionate mountaineer as well as an avid outdoor enthusiast. His writing and photography have appeared in “Powder,” “Backcountry,” “the Ski Journal” and his first book “My Old Man and the Mountain” was just published October of 2016.

The series will also feature World Kayaker Nigel Foster at Lopez Center on Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Foster will be discussing his new book, “On Polar Tides” recounting epic trips to Labrador and Ungava which included a first solo crossing of the Hudson Strait by kayak – polar bears, calving icebergs, howling winds and navigating 10-knot tide races.

In April, RAAM – Race Across America, a bike race more rugged than the Tour de France and one of the longest running ultra-endurance events in the world, shows its new documentary “3089 Miles Across America” on the LCCA’s big screen on Saturday, April 15 at 7 p.m. RAAM participants cycle 3089 miles across 12 states, climbing over 170,000 vertical feet in a race that is a testament to the human spirit. The 42’ film will be introduced by RAAM’s director Rick Boethling. Great inspiration two weeks before the Tour de Lopez.

At Lopez Center on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 at 7 p.m., Mark Gunlogson, president of Seattle trekking company Mountain Madness (featured in Jon Krakauer’s bestseller “Into Thin Air”) shares the company’s incredible 32 year climbing and trekking history, the gorgeous pursuit of the seven highest mountains in the world and decades of work with relief agencies and conservation groups around the world.

Then finally, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1967 first winter ascent of Denali, the highest mountain in North America. Join climber and local resident Gregg Blomberg as he shares his story as the lead on that historical expedition at Woodmen Hall on Wednesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Terrifying winds, brutal temperatures and a richly compelling story.

This exciting series is designed to lift the Lopez community through the last stretch of winter. Presented to you by Friends of the Lopez Library and the Ramsey Shirk Fund. For more information contact Jen Krajack at the Lopez Library 468-2265. Free to all.