INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Public Library has been awarded a Community Read grant of $750 from Indiana Humanities to participate in a statewide read of All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles. Twenty-nine other communities in Indiana will also be participating in One State / One Story programs over the course of the coming year.
The Indianapolis Public Library will host at least three community programs tied to the book during 2024, including a book discussion. It will also receive books and assorted materials like bookmarks and posters to promote the programs.
In 2024, the One State / One Story programming focuses on two books: All That She Carried by Tiya Miles and Freedom Over Me by Ashley Bryan. The Library is hosting an online book discussion and several in-person book discussions, including a special discussion at Central Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) featuring a presentation by Dr. Tony Jean Dickerson, a nationally recognized quilter and founding president of the Akoma Ntoso Modern Quilt Guild of Central Indiana. Dr. Dickerson will speak about how artifacts like handcrafted quilts preserve family legacies. Upcoming programs include:
• A Community Read About the Power of Family History – Monday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Franklin Road Branch
• A Community Read and Discussion with Dr. Tony Jean Dickerson, Professional Quilter - Saturday, June 15, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Central Library
• A Community Read About the Power of Family History – Tuesday, July 16, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Spades Park Branch – Following the Spades Park book discussion on July 16th, patrons can see a free screening of The Woman King provided by Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant next door to the library.
• A Community Read About the Power of Family History – Tuesday, July 16, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Fort Ben Branch
• A Community Read About the Power of Family History – Monday, July 22, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Beech Grove Branch
Books for book discussion participants are available at hosting locations while supplies last.