The Language of Seeds Echo Through One Read Book, Programs
March 16, 2023 — Themes of family, tradition and sacrifice combine in a haunting novel that the Springfield-Greene County Library staff invites the whole community to read and celebrate during the annual one community, one book One Read in March and April.
Teens and adults are invited to read “The Seed Keeper” by Diane Wilson, meet the author at a 7 p.m. Thursday, April 13 event on the main floor of the Library Center. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Expand your learning – attend a variety of programs focusing on Native American culture, gardening practices and political advocacy. The Library has partnered with the American Indian Center of Springfield to present many of the programs. The One Read is funded by the Friends of the Library.
Read a Q&A interview with Wilson and The Library.
See a full list of book discussions, programs and more at thelibrary.org/oneread, or see the schedule below.
Author Wilson is a writer and educator who has published four award-winning books and essays. “The Seed Keeper” received the 2022 Minnesota Book Award for Fiction. She is a Mdewakanton descendent, enrolled on the Rosebud Reservation.
About the book: Rosalie Iron Wing has grown up in the woods with her father until one morning, he doesn’t return. She is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato. Years later, Rosalie returns to her childhood home and confronts the past through her search for family, identity and a community where she can finally belong.
In the process, she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron ? women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss.
“The Seed Keeper” is available for checkout in paper, digital audiobook and e-book formats at thelibrary.org/catalog.
Explore culture, food and sustainable practices in these programs inspired by “The Seed Keeper.”
See a full list of programs at thelibrary.org/oneread, or see the schedule below.
Book Discussions
- Wednesday, March 8, 1 p.m. at the Fair Grove Branch Library
- Wednesday, March 8, 2:30 p.m. at the Willard Branch Library
- Thursday, March 9, 2 p.m. at the Republic Branch Library
- Thursday, March 9, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Downtown Springfield Associate, 134 Park Central Square, Suite 120
- Monday, March 20, 4 p.m. at the Strafford Branch Library
- Tuesday, March 21, 1:30 p.m. at the Ash Grove Branch Library
- Thursday, March 23, 1:30 p.m. in the Library Station Santa Fe Room
- Tuesday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library
- Wednesday, April 12, 1-2:30 p.m. in Library Center meeting room B
- Friday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. at the Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St. Join us for this library-sponsored book group just for older adults.
Reed Basket Making Demonstration
Thursday, March 23, 6 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room. Enjoy an evening of the art of reed basket making, demonstrated by Barbara Craker as she shows her collection of baskets and shares how she learned this craft. Craker is active with the American Indian Center of Springfield and affiliated with the Quapaw and Shawnee tribes.
Introduction to Laser Engraving: Acrylic Plant Stakes
For adults in the Maker Space of the Midtown Carnegie Branch. Learn to use the Glowforge software to create your own custom acrylic plant stakes. Library staff will teach you how to design and print using the Glowforge Laser Engraver. Materials will be provided. To register call 417-837-5011.
- Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m.-noon. Registration starts March 13.
- Tuesday, May 9, 2-4 p.m. Registration starts April 24.
How to Grow a Three Sisters Garden
Saturday, March 25, 1-3 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room. American Indian Center of Springfield Program Director Stephanie Le-Charles will share the history of Three Sisters planting and how corn, beans and squash plants nurture and depend on each other. Patrons will learn how to grow Mandan Bride Corn, Trail of Tears Beans and Butternut Squash varieties. Participants will receive Heirloom Seed Library Three Sisters seed kits. Watch for more Three Sisters programs this summer and fall. This program is provided in partnership with the American Indian Center of Springfield and Springfield Community Gardens. Registration starts March 14; call 417-862-0135.
"Warrior Women" at the Moxie
Sunday, March 26, 6-8 p.m. at the Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101. In the 1970s organizers of the American Indian Movement (AIM) fought for Native American liberation and survival as a community of extended families. "Warrior Women," not rated, is the story of Madonna Thunder Hawk, one such AIM leader. She shaped a kindred group of activists' children – including her daughter Marcy – into the "We Will Remember" Survival School as a Native alternative to government-run education. Together, Madonna and Marcy fought for Native rights in an environment that made them more comrades than mother-daughter. Admission is free.
Native American Cooking Demonstration
Saturday, April 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Fairbanks Community Center, 1126 N. Broadway Ave. American Indian Center of Springfield Program Director Stephanie Le-Charles demonstrates how to create three delicious and simple Native American recipes – amaranth pudding with berries and coconut, a microgreen salad with pomegranate salad dressing, and a bean dish. Seating is limited. Registration begins March 18; call 417-862-0135.
Farming with Native Plants in the Ozarks
Saturday, April 1, 2 p.m. in the Library Station Frisco Room. A representative of Hamilton Native Outpost talks about the benefits of using native diverse grassland plants to restore soil health, provide nutritious forage for livestock and create attractive, low maintenance landscapes.
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, April 7, 6:30-9 p.m. for all ages at the Park Central Branch Library. “View Between The Lines: ‘The Seed Keeper,’” featuring works of art by Springfield Regional Arts Council members and submissions from the public.
Living Ozarks: Ecology & Culture of a Natural Place
Saturday, April 15, 10:30 a.m. at the Republic Branch. Ozarkers have a long history of nature writing, covering topics such as land use, sustainability and natural resources. Explore these topics and appreciate the natural Ozarks through selected readings from the anthology "Living Ozarks: The Ecology and Culture of a Natural Place. Presenters include Missouri State University’s James Baumlin. Books will be available for purchase.