This fall, Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) will introduce a new community read initiative – Books Build Bridges. HEPL serves two vibrant communities – Fishers and Noblesville.
The aim of Books Build Bridges and the two books selected (one for adult audiences and one for teen audiences) is to build community through shared experience, to provide diverse reading opportunities, and to engage our communities with noted authors.
The featured novels for the inaugural Books Build Bridges Community Read are An American Marriage by Tayari Jones and Dear Martin by Nic Stone.
Here are 5 things that teens can do to before the virtual author visit with NYTimes bestseller, Nic Stone on October 1:
1. Read Dear Martin, by Nic Stone
Nic Stone’s debut bestseller Dear Martin is the teen pick for the library’s inaugural Books Build Bridges community read. You can pick up a free copy (while supplies last) at the Fishers or Noblesville Library!
2. Visit Nic Stone’s Website
Learn more about the author and her other books on her website.
3. Explore Similar Themes
The library has several books for teens that explore similar themes of racism and injustice. Check out the list of read-alikes in the library’s Discover Guide.
4. Sign Up!
Make sure to visit the library’s online calendar of events to register for the author’s virtual visit! Information on how to join the live event will be sent to those who are registered.
5. Prepare Questions
Be ready with some questions for the author. Nic Stone will be answering questions about her writing from the audience at the end of her visit. What do you want to ask this New York Times best-selling author?
Christy Franzman has been at HEPL for a little over a year and a half, but she’s been a librarian for over 15 years. She loves to go out to eat at all the different restaurants in Fishers, as well as reading, binge watching Netflix shows, going for walks, watching funny cat videos, and spending time with my husband and three year old son. She also loves to watch football and college basketball and is a huge Colts and Purdue fan. She has been a Fishers resident for over 5 years, and she loves the community, the events, the forward-thinking growth, the variety of places to eat, and cool new venues that seem to always be popping up (not to mention the awesome library!). While she says picking a favorite book for a librarian is like picking a favorite child for a parent with multiple kids, she has a special spot for The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and recommends it to everyone!