Fulton County Public Library awarded funds to host a ‘World of Wonders’ community read

Fulton County Public 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.

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

Fulton County Public Library will host three community programs tied to the book during 2022, including a book discussion. It will also receive up to 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 and 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 love working with Indiana Humanities on projects like One State / One Story. One State / One Story gives us the opportunity to bring the community together to focus on and discuss the wonders of nature,” said Andrea Stineback, FCPL Director.

The following events are scheduled as part of the series:

Saturday, October 29, 9:00-1:00 at Snipes Tree Farm (311 W 375 N

Rochester, IN 46975)—A Walk in the Woods: Bird Watch/Nature Walk: Join us at the Snipes Tree Farm for a Bird Watch/Nature Walk with Indiana Advanced Master Naturalist Wayne Richard Pope. All ages are welcome to attend. This event will be outdoors, rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. This event is part of the library’s One State / One Story: World of Wonders series. One State / One Story: World of Wonders is presented by Indiana Humanities in partnership with the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library.

Tuesday, November 1, 6:00 in Meeting Room B: Community Read book discussion. If you are interested in participating in the Community Read and would like to pick up a free copy of the book, stop by the Literacy Office.

Saturday, November 5, 12:00-2:00 in Meeting Rooms A & B: Nature Watercolor class with Erica Coffing: All materials provided, sign up at the library or call (574) 223-1008 for more information. No experience is necessary. Ages 16 and up.

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.