The Indianapolis Public Library Awarded Funds to Host a One State / One Story Community Read
Indianapolis, IND (May 16, 2014)— 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. The $750 in project funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including to book speakers or host community events.
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 two books will engage communities in thinking, reading and talking about history and memory and how engaging with our nation’s past can help us understand contemporary injustices and strive for racial equity.
“We are excited to launch our fourth One State / One Story program with such engaging programming ideas from our Community Read hosts,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We are sure that this year will bring important, insightful conversations to communities across the state.
“Receiving grant funding for the One State / One Story community read is crucial because with funding, the program can reach more communities, providing them with copies of the selected book and resources for discussions and activities. This promotes literacy, fosters a sense of community, and encourages dialogue on important topics,” said Michelle Sharp, area resource manager of adult services at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Hosting book discussions and events around the book All That She Carried by Tiya Miles is exciting because it offers an opportunity to delve into a compelling narrative, sparking meaningful conversations and exchanges of ideas among readers. We also celebrate support from local businesses, such as Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant and Amelia’s Bread who continue to support the library in its endeavors.”
To help patrons engage with this selection, 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:
Books for book discussion participants are available at hosting locations while supplies last.
One State / One Story 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 initiatives.
About The Indianapolis Public Library
For more than 150 years, the Indianapolis Public Library has continuously adapted and expanded to serve the evolving needs of our City and its residents. The Indianapolis Public Library strives to be indispensable to our growing number of patrons and stands as a vital public resource to our community. The Indianapolis Public Library has more than 260,000 cardholders and a total annual circulation of 6,930,303 at our 25 branch locations and bookmobile. More information at indypl.org.
About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage Hoosiers to think, read and talk. Indiana Humanities is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Lilly Endowment, Inc. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.
About Indiana Center for the Book
The Indiana Center for the Book is a program of the Indiana State Library and an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. It promotes interest in reading, writing, literacy, libraries, and Indiana's literary heritage by sponsoring events and serving as an information resource at the state and local level. Learn more at www.in.gov/library/icb.htm.
About Indiana State Library
The Indiana State Library serves Indiana residents with a variety of needs including; genealogy, Indiana history, preservation, rare books and manuscripts, reference and government services, Talking Books and Braille library, as well as the State Data Center. The State Library also leads and supports the greater Indiana library community and is a magnificent limestone building to visit. Learn more at: www.in.gov/library/index.htm.
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Contact information:
Keshia McEntire
Public Relations Manager, Communications & Marketing Indianapolis Public Library kmcentire@indypl.org