Do you ever have a question about someone but you don’t know them well enough to ask?
Have you ever started to explain a sensitive topic to someone and then realized you’re not actually sure what to say?
Our world is big, and we have neighbors with rich lives we probably know nothing about. In a world like ours, it’s normal to be curious about people and situations — curiosity is what we’re all about at the Library.
Although, sometimes it’s not just curiosity we feel out there. Hesitation, uncertainty, anxiety, shyness — it’s too often that these feelings stop me from talking to loved ones and learning more.
Building Bridges is a program series at the Johnson County Public Library designed to kick-start curiosity and conversation about a wide range of topics — things that are important to talk about, but sometimes we get stuck because, well, they can be hard.
Every month there’s one program for adults and one for kids and families, and each one is a totally non-judgmental space to talk, share and learn.
The programs have covered topics such as race, ability, anxiety, grief, loss, poverty, news and politics (definitely not your run-of-the-mill dinner table conversations), not because we like to put a gray cloud over peoples’ days, but because these topics show up in all our lives.
These programs give us a starting point for talking about such topics honestly. And, hey, many topics seem more intimidating to talk about than they truly are — some are just a matter of seeing different ways our fellow Johnson County neighbors live, learn and love. Once you get started, the learning and conversations are nothing to be afraid of.
Just like when you pick up a book to step into someone else’s reality (factual or fictional), the Building Bridges programs are meant to help us see the world from multiple perspectives. They go a step further, though, by providing you with some resources and practice talking about the topics. It makes a difference being prepared for a conversation so that when things come up in life, you at least have a bit of a plan for what to say.
We don’t always have all the answers or the exact right things to say, but if you’d like to start talking and learning anyway (which is very brave, I might add), I’d like to formally invite you to sign up for one of our upcoming Building Bridges programs.
We have them every month, and sometimes we have special guest speakers, so check back at PageAfterPage.org/calendar to see new events pop up. Plus, all previous programs and resources are posted at PageAfterPage.org/building-bridges.
We hope to see you soon.
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Building Bridges: Jazz Musician Jared Thompson
Join Indy native and jazz musician Jared Thompson as he talks about the jazz scene in Indianapolis and his recent album, “38th and Postmodernism,” inspired by the events of 2020.
Via Zoom, Tuesday, July 13, 6-7 p.m.
Building Bridges Book Discussion: “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Trafalgar Branch Outdoor Program, Tuesday, July 27, 6-7 p.m.
Building Bridges for Kids: Anxiety
Via Zoom, Wednesday, July 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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