The word “dive” can conjure the moods of the Film Noir era by evoking pessimism, fatalism, and menace.  However, author Anthony Head and photographer Kirk Weddle dispel those myths through their stunning prose and photographs in their book Texas Dives: Enduring Neighborhood Bars of the Lone Star State. 

Head and Weddle will be speaking at the Allen Public Library at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30.  Admission to the program is free, and it will be web-casted live at ACTV.org by clicking on the WATCH button.  

A journalist, Head offers notable insights regarding 12 of the state's “dives.” Weddle affords the reader an opportunity to vicariously sit in the “dive” and get a close-up view of the bartender or waitress. 

These establishments cater to ordinary people — entrepreneurs, the retired, and hard workers. And unlike national chains, the owners are typically on the premises.  Dives anchor their neighborhoods by offering simple familiarity. Materials used to build the facility were typically purchased at the local hardware store or lumber yard during the 1950s. 

Raise a glass to this enduring Texas tradition and plan to attend this program. 

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr.  Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.