Events
Upcoming events:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
6-7 PM
Hosted by
Klondike Branch Library
3062 Lindberg Rd
West Lafayette, IN 47906
3062 Lindberg Rd
West Lafayette, IN 47906
As part of the Purdue University Big Read, join us for an evening of reflection inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Together, we’ll sip herbal tea and explore the book’s themes of gratitude, reciprocity, and the gifts of the natural world. A short reading will open our time together, followed by guided conversation and personal reflection. Whether you’ve read the book or are simply curious about its ideas, all are welcome to join in the discussion.
Space is limited to keep the gathering cozy — please register to reserve your spot. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Conversation About Sustainability
6-7 PM
West Lafayette Public Library
208 W Columbia St
Elm & Maple Rooms (2nd floor)
Elm & Maple Rooms (2nd floor)
Explore the connections between plant ecology and sustainability in a conversation led by Dr. Steve Hallet (Professor of Horticulture) and Dr. Bob Marzec (Professor of English), who share a commitment to environmental understanding.
Friday, November 7, 2025
Podcast Episode #1: Learning from the Land: What Braiding Sweetgrass Teaches Us
In this episode, Assistant Director of the Purdue English Big Read, C.J. Tenniswood, sits down with PhD candidate, Rochel Bergman, and Dr. Matt Morgenstern to explore how Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass invites readers to rethink their relationship with the natural world. Together, they discuss what it means to learn from the land rather than simply about it, weaving perspectives on ecological ethics, Indigenous knowledge, and the power of language and story.
Friday, November 21, 2025
Podcast Episode #2: Teaching Braiding Sweetgrass
In this episode, Assistant Director of the Purdue English Big Read, C.J. Tenniswood, brings together three educators—Dr. Michael Johnston, Dr. Stephanie Masta, and Assistant Director of the Black Cultural Center, Juanita Crider—for a conversation about teaching Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Together, they reflect on the book’s impact in the classroom and the many lenses through which it can be approached—from ecology and education to cultural identity and community care. The discussion explores how students have responded to Kimmerer’s blend of storytelling and science, what challenges and opportunities arise when teaching across worldviews, and how Braiding Sweetgrass continues to inspire gratitude, reciprocity, and relational ways of learning.
Dead Week
Crafting with Dried Flowers
More information to follow! :)
Past Events:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
“5 Things to Know about Braiding Sweetgrass” (Lecture, Q&A)
Join us for the kickoff of this year’s Big Read! Enjoy free books, snacks, and good conversation as we dive into Braiding Sweetgrass with Professor Emerita Peterson.
Friday, September 12, 2025
Bees and butterflies are fascinating animals that play an important role in ecosystems. Many species of pollinating insects are on the decline. At this event, Robert Suseland, Habitat Specialist with the Tippecanoe County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Ethan Hershberger, Resilient Indiana Conservation Technician with the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, discussed what you can do at home to help local pollinating insect populations thrive!
Thursday, September 18, 2025
We learned from Angie Manuel, an interpretive naturalist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, how Indiana's Indigenous tribes made use of native plants and the benefits of including them in your own gardens and landscaping.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
We swapped our leafy darlings, sprouting cuttings, or plant babies for something new to grow and love. It was unbe-leaf-able!
Thursday, October 2, 2025
Thursday through Sunday, 1:00-5:00 PM, visit the Caretaker's Cottage at 1496 North Salisbury to select seeds to take home and diversify your garden and support our ecosystem!
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
6-7 PM
Hosted by
Holman Branch of the Tippecanoe County Public Library
627 South Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
Friday, October 24, 2025
Bloommarks: Crafting with Dried Flowers
12-2 PM
Celebrate the joy of reading with a touch of nature. Participants will design and craft their own unique bookmarks using pressed and dried flowers. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity and leave with a beautiful, personalized keepsake.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Big Read Movie Night
6-8 PM
Hosted by
Holman Branch of the Tippecanoe County Public Library
627 South Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
The Purdue English Big Read invites you to a community movie night featuring Gather (2020). The film will be introduced by Felica T. Ahasteen-Bryant, the Director of Purdue's Native American Educational and Cultural Center. This documentary follows Native food sovereignty advocates as they work to restore traditional foodways, strengthen cultural resilience, and heal generational trauma.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
10:30-12 PM
Hosted by
West Lafayette Public Library
208 W. Columbia Street
West Lafayette, IN 47906
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Oh my gourd! It’s thyme to trade! Bring your leafy darlings, sprouting cuttings, or plant babies to the library and swap them for something new to grow and love. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting to root around in the world of greenery, this is a succulent opportunity to branch out, make new friends, and leave with something fresh and photosynthesizing.
This event is open to all levels of plant enthusiasts. If you’ve got care tips to share, we’d love for you to pass them along at this swap!
Requests:
- Plants must be pest-free and healthy.
- Label your plants, if possible
- Bring your plants in containers you’re ready to leaf behind.