Books Build Bridges is a community read program hosted by Hamilton East Public Library each fall to build community through shared experience, provide diverse reading opportunities, and engage our community with noted authors. This year’s featured books are classic stories reimagined. For adult readers, the featured book is Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev. For teen readers, the featured book (high school collection) is Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen. And, for children, the featured book is A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat.
All three authors will visit in-person for a keynote presentation and panel discussion about their books and the art of retelling classic stories, moderated by local author, artist, and Ignite Studio Maker-in-Residence Rue Sparks. Book signings will follow. The event will take place at the FORUM Events Center in Fishers on Saturday, September 30 from 2:30-4:30pm. Register here.
Submit your questions for the featured authors during the panel discussion here.
We’ve put together a brief list of FAQs and tips to help you navigate the event!
Know Before You Go
Check out the Books Build Bridges blog for details about the featured books and the authors, Sonali Dev, Natasha Bowen, and Christina Soontornvat!
Event date and time:
Saturday, September 30, 2023
2:30-4:30pm
Doors will open at 2:10pm
Location:
This event is hosted by the Hamilton East Public Library at the FORUM Events Center, 11313 USA Pkwy, Fishers, near IKEA. Click here for map and directions.
Cost:
Free!
Registration:
Please register here prior to the event. The program is for all ages.
Parking:
Free parking is available in a large surface lot.
Food and Drink:
No outside food or drink, except bottled water, are allowed at Books Build Bridges, per venue rules.
Entrance:
Please park and enter at the southeast entrance of the FORUM Events Center.
Accessibility:
ASL interpreters will be on-site for the event.
There are a number of accessible parking spots at the venue.
Book Signings:
Attendees may have their book(s) signed by one, two, or all three authors. Each author will have a separate table and line.
You may bring a personal copy of the featured book(s) even if you did not get one of the complimentary copies from the library. To keep the lines moving, please bring no more than two (2) books by each author to be signed.
Swag Bags:
We’ve prepared swag bags for the first 25 attendees! Bags will be given out when you sign in at the event and are available while supplies last.
Special Promotion:
Pick up a token (only one per person, please) when you sign in at the event to get a special deal at a local Fishers restaurant. We’ve partnered with Four Day Ray to get you 10% off purchases of $25 or more (excluding carryout beer) when you present your Books Build Bridges token in the restaurant. Offer valid September 30th only.
Itinerary:
Please send any questions, concerns, or accessibility requests to programs@hamiltoneastpl.org.