Dubois Branch Library Awarded Funds to Host a ‘World of Wonders’ Community Read

Dubois Co. —The Dubois Branch Library has been awarded a Community Read grant of $750 from Indiana Humanities to participate in a statewide read of Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments. 

Thirty other communities will be reading the book as part of One State / One Story: World of Wonders.

Dubois Branch Library will host at multiple community programs tied to the book during 2022, including a two public book discussion. It has received 30 books and assorted materials like bookmarks and posters to promote the programs. The $750 project funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including to book speakers or host community events.

Nezhukumatathil’s collection of short essays explores the wonders of nature which defy easy depiction. She takes us through her past experiences shares guidance she’s received from our world’s fierce and funny creatures. The axolotl teaches us to smile, even in the face of unkindness; the touch-me-not plant shows us how to shake off unwanted advances; the narwhal demonstrates how to survive in hostile environments. Even in the strange and the unlovely, Nezhukumatathil finds beauty and kinship. For it is this way with wonder: it requires that we are curious enough to look past the distractions in order to fully appreciate the world’s gifts. These lessons are further supplemented by beautiful illustrations by Fumi Mini Nakamura throughout the book.

“We are excited to have selected ‘World of Wonders’ for our third One State / One Story,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We think Nezhukumatathil’s beautiful and thought-provoking essays will spark conversations among Hoosiers about our natural world and our place in it.

“We feel privileged to be one of the 31 communities in the state to be able to take part in this Community Read program.   We will provide two opportunities for community members to receive a free copy of the “World of Wonders” book and take part in discussion groups.   The dates for the book discussions are Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m.   Stop by the library to sign up for one of these sessions and pick up a copy of the book.  Anyone in the county may take part.

Other events that go along with this grant include IU professor Adam Henze presenting “Falling Blossoms: Exploring Environment though Haiku” on Monday, March 14 at 6:30.   This hour-long presentation is a hybrid lecture, poetry performance, and a writing workshop appropriate for 10 year old’s through adults.   The event has limited space and requires pre-registration.  And on Friday, April 22 at 6:30, Dani Tippman, a direct descendant of Miami chief Richardville will present a talk on “Native American Plant Traditions: Plants for Food, Medicine & Technology.”    Dani Tippman’s presentation is also partially funded by Traditional Arts of Indiana at IU.

One State / One Story: World of Wonders is an initiative designed by Indiana Humanities, in partnership with the Indiana State Library and Indiana Center for the Book, to encourage Hoosiers to read and engage deeply with a book as part of a statewide conversation tied to Indiana Humanities’ current theme.