We Read!  Community Reads Program

For 2025, we have selected the book The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, for our Community Reads Program.  A kick-off event is planned for September 13, with culminating activities during the week of October 6-10.  Copies of the book will be available for free at community events as well as from both Rolling Hills Library and St. Joseph Public Library.  With sponsorship, we hope to give away 300 free copies of the book to people in the community.

BOOK SUMMARY:  Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig's enchanting blockbuster novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.  (from Amazon)

EVENTS

August 21, 23, or 30 -- Art Attack will lead intuitive painting classes based around the themes of the book. Sign up here: https://www.artattackstudiollc.com/ click on Classes/Events.

September 13th -- From 1-3 PM join us at The Story Collective (114 S 7th Street) to kick off this series of events with refreshments, a brief description of the book and why it was selected, a raffle, and a giveaway. Come celebrate the gift of reading, connection, and community! 

October 6 -- Yoga and Meditation 

The Center for Joy, 1202 Felix St.    6:00 PM

Just like Nora, sometimes our lives can seem overwhelming. Join Emily as she leads us through stress relieving yoga and meditation.

October 8 --  Book Discussion

East Hills Library, 502 N. Woodbine Rd    2:00 PM

Join us as we discuss Nora’s journey through The Midnight Library as she tries to answer the ultimate question, “With infinite choices, what is the best way to live.”

October 8 --  Alternate Life Party at The Den

519 Felix St    6:30 PM

Come dressed as your “alternate” self

and enjoy light appetizers, cash bar with a signature drink and the best 

Halloween decorations in town.

October 9 -- Lisa and Kurt Thacker "Our Hearts Are Home"

Wellspring Community Church, 2101 Jules St.    6:30 PM

In 2020, Lisa and Kurt’s 15 -year -old son, Dalton, committed suicide. Determined to help others who have suffered the same tragic loss, the Thackers decided to share their story with others through Our Hearts Are Home, a non-profit that provides support and resources for bereaved parents. Please join us as they share their personal story of loss and grief and hear how they found the strength to endure through faith.

October 10 -- Lunch and Panel Discussion

Pony Express Museum, 914 Penn    11:30-1:00 PM

$20   Reservations required-use QR code or link below

Join us for a delicious lunch catered by Café Belle Epoch and a panel discussion exploring the central themes of The Midnight Library-regret, mental health, resilience, choice and the search for meaning-through the perspectives of professionals and community voices.

Panelists will be Tara Wells, Personal Trainer at the YMCA, Brian Kirk, Pastor at First Christian Church, and Cassandra Veale, PMHNP (nurse practitioner)  at Mosaic Life Care.

Click HERE to register for the luncheon by paying $20 to CFNWMO.