Braiding Sweetgrass:
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Kimmerer brings her training as a botanist and her membership of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation together to show how we need to awaken to a wider ecological consciousness that acknowledges and celebrates our reciprocal relationship with nature. She is a scientist, professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She lives in Syracuse, New York, where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment.
The program will feature in person book discussions during the month of March and April to celebrate Earth Day 2023. Join us as we read Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
Muskegon Area District Libraries (MADL), Hackley Public Library, the White Lake Community Library, Fruitport District Library, and the Book Nook and Java Shop in Montague. (Entire book club schedule listed further down this page)
During March and April 2023
Sponsored by WMEAC and in partnership with Muskegon Area District Libraries (MADL), Hackley Public Library, the White Lake Community Library, and the Book Nook and Java Shop.
North Muskegon Branch Book Club
March 21, 6:30 PM
Location: 1522 Ruddiman Dr, North Muskegon, MI 49445
Contact: Philip Croff, pcroff@madl.org
Discussion facilitator: Doug Wood, dwood1952@gmail.com
Ravenna Branch Book Club
April 5, 6:00 PM
Location: 12278 Stafford St, Ravenna, MI 49451
Contact: Gina Braspenninx, Gbraspenninx@madl.org
The Book Nook & Java Shop Book Club
April 5, 6:00 PM
Location: 8744 Ferry St, Montague, MI 49437
Contact: Andrew Kuharevicz, (231) 894-5333
Discussion facilitator: Lori Coleman, heinz.lah@gmail.com
*The Book Nook & Java Shop offers a 20% discount on book purchases for its book club members.
Norton Shores Branch Book Club
April 6, 10:30 AM
Location: 705 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441
Contact: Holly Pelkey, hpelkey@madl.org
Discussion facilitator: Mary Valentine, maryvalentine08@gmail.com
Fruitport district library BOOK CLUB
April 11, 12:30 PM
Location: 47 Park St., Fruitport, MI 49415
Contact: Matt Lubbers-Moore, (231) 366-6107
Discussion facilitator: Doug Wood, dwood1952@gmail.com
White Lake Community Library Book Club
April 12, 6:00 PM
Location: 3900 W White Lake Dr, Whitehall, MI 49461
Contact: Amy Morris-Jones, (231) 894-9531
Discussion facilitator: Julie Essenberg, jewel4130@gmail.com
Hackley Public Library Book Club
April 24, 5:30 PM
Location: 316 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
Contact: Mary Ruge, (231) 722-8005
Discussion facilitators: Aaron and Amy Bodbyl-Mast, bmastaaron@gmail.com
Holton Branch MADL Book Club
April 25, 6:00 PM
Location: 8776 Holton-Duck Lake Rd, Holton, MI 49425
Contact: Christina Le Vey-Rowland, CRowland@madl.org
Discussion facilitator: Renae Hesselink, RHessel281@gmail.com
Dalton Branch MADL Book Club
April 26, 6:00 PM
Location: 3175 5th St, Twin Lake, MI 49457
Contact: Rachel Church, rchurch@madl.org
Discussion facilitators: Aaron and Amy Bodbyl-Mast, bmastaaron@gmail.com
MADL will offer 4 “Book Club in a Bag” Kits, available for check-out for established MADL book clubs and discussions. (See book club schedules above to join). Additionally, MADL has individual copies of the book available for checkout at all MADL branches, available beginning the second week of February. Additional programs MADL is hosting to support and encourage conversation around themes in Braiding Sweetgrass:
Pollinator Lawns and Native Gardens
Go deeper with MADL’s April Community Read, Braiding Sweetgrass, and learn from the Muskegon Conservation District (MCD) about pollinator lawns and native gardens. The MCD will explain how to attract more pollinators in different ways that benefit the ecosystem around your home.
- Norton Shores MADL branch: April 10, 6 PM
- North Muskegon MADL branch: April 11, 6 PM
- Muskegon Heights MADL branch, April 26, 6 PM
A program with the North Muskegon High School Environmental Club is in the planning stages, details to come.
For more information, contact Tanya Cabala, lakeshore outreach organizer for WMEAC at tcabala@wmeac.org or (231) 798-5196.
Sponsored By
