Jasper-Dubois County Public Library branch awarded funds to host a ‘World of Wonders’ Community Read

DUBOIS CO. – The Dubois Branch Library of the Jasper-Dubois 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.” Thirty other communities will be reading the book as part of One State / One Story: World of Wonders.

The Dubois Branch Library will host multiple community programs tied to the book during 2022, including two public book discussions. The library has received 30 books and assorted materials – like bookmarks and posters – to promote the programs.

Nezhukumatathil’s collection of short essays explores the wonders of nature which defy easy depiction.

Keira Amstutz, president, and CEO of Indiana Humanities

“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.”

The dates for the book discussions are Monday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 31 at 11 a.m. Stop by the library to sign up for one of these sessions and to pick up a copy of the book. Anyone in the county may take part. Other events that go along with this grant include “Falling Blossoms: Exploring Environment through Haiku” on Monday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. and “Native American Plant Traditions: Plants for Food, Medicine and Technology” on Friday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.

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. 

The Dubois Branch Library is part of the Jasper-Dubois County Public Library system in Dubois County. It was funded and built through grants and donations and has been serving the small, rural community since 2012. The library is located at 5506 E. Main St. in Dubois.

Indiana Humanities is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Lilly Endowment, Inc.