The Arthur Lakes Library will be hosting Victoria Bruce, author and filmmaker. Victoria Bruce holds a master’s degree in geology from the University of California, Riverside. She will be discussing her latest book “Sellout.”

In her third book, “Sellout,” she examines how China has steadily purchased the rights to mining and processing rare earth elements, to the point where the Chinese now hold a monopoly on these vital resources. This makes the U.S. dependent on China for key pieces of much of our technology, from consumer items and basic infrastructural equipment to high-tech defense systems. The heart of Bruce’s investigation, however, is Jim Kennedy, a retired securities trader who bought a bankrupt mining operation but was then prohibited from re-opening it. Bruce follows Kennedy through his 10-year campaign to return the rare earth industry to the U.S., a fight not yet won despite his indefatigable lobbying of various government agencies and the manifest urgency of his mission.

This event is free to attend with no reservation required. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

The library will be handing out free copies of her book in limited quantities.