Columbus’ Community Book Read will be the true story “The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science” by Joyce Sidman, aimed at both adults and youngsters.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1647, Merian was a botanical and natural history illustrator and the first to record metamorphosis. Merian was the first European women to independently go on a scientific expedition in South America.
The local book read, promoted by entities such as the Bartholomew County Public Library and Viewpoint Books locally, usually consists of a series of discussions, speakers and other presentations spread over a couple months and connected to a particular title or author. The idea is to encourage people to read the book and share ideas and perspectives with one another.
The first scheduled event for this work is Sept. 16 with a free program about Indiana’s own self-taught naturalist Gene Stratton Porter at the library, 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus. Also on tap is a Sept. 21 event tentatively intended to be a viewing of monarch butterflies brought onto the Bartholomew County Public Library Plaza.
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Another gathering featuring a panel discussion involving some of The Republic’s annual Women of the Year winners is slated Oct. 1 at the library. Other events are being scheduled, too, including a Skype presentation with the author.
Friends of the Bartholomew County Public Library recently purchased 150 copies of the book for the public to read and then pass on to others. Mary Clare Speckner, the library’s community services coordinator, explained how organizers chose the book.
“It’s about a strong woman, and ties in very well with the library building’s Cleo Turns 50 celebration (about late local librarian Cleo Rogers), with the Exhibit Columbus (temporary) installation,” Speckner said.
That architectural installation will include the plaza being transformed into an elevated terrace, planted with native grasses, trees, and wildflowers — the perfect area for butterflies.
Beth Stroh, Viewpoint Books co-owner, mentioned that the store recently stocked up with 27 copies of the work, partly because it previously had been out of print from its publisher.
“This is one book that adults and kids can easily read together,” Stroh said. “And it’s a story that’s very aspirational, for young girls, obviously, but really for all children who may dream of how they might change the world.”
