Resilience is a word I’ve heard repeatedly in the workplace, in the context of mental health, in my personal life and in community conversations during the last few years. Amongst the global pandemic, difficult social and political issues arising left and right, and economic challenges, resilience is a hot topic. What exactly is it, though? What does it look like?
Building resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt in tough situations. Some of us have more resilience than others. Everyone knows someone who always bounces back from adversity and refuses to back down when life becomes difficult. That is what resilience looks like: flexibility and growth through challenges.
It’s easy to look at resilient people in your life and say, “Wow, they’re so strong! I wish I was like that.” But did you know resilience is a skill that can be built and honed? We can learn how to be resilient and bolster our levels of resilience. Then when life throws us a curveball, we are ready to knock it out of the park. What better place to learn new skills, find support, and grow resilience than the library?
We can grow resilience by connecting with others and building our supportive relationships. Sometimes that’s done by fostering our current friendships and relationships with loved ones. Sometimes we do that by joining a group or club to meet new people and pursue shared interests together. Taking care of our bodies and minds fosters resilience too. So does finding purpose by setting goals, engaging in personal growth, and taking initiative to fix problems in our lives. We can learn to accept change and maintain optimism about the future to grow our resilience as well.
The library has resources and events this spring to help you work on your resilience! Join us to learn new skills, have exciting conversations and connect, visit our amazing spring exhibit in the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery and stroll through our shelves (in-person or digitally) to find great reads. We can’t wait to support you on your journey!
Spring Programs to Build Resilience
Evening Chair Yoga
Wednesdays | 5:30-6:30pm | Learning Center or live on Zoom
Chair yoga is designed for everyone to develop strength and stability targeting hips, low back, glutes and quads.
Topeka EmpowHERment Summit
Sat, March 19 | 1-5:30pm | Marvin Auditorium
Women leaders share their stories & experiences in honor of Women’s History Month. Hear from women who are leading our community in many different fields. You will leave inspired and uplifted.
Anyone Can Cook
Mon, March 21, April 18 & May 16 | 3-5pm | the Edge
Teens learn skills to make simple snacks and meals for themselves. Join us the 3rd Monday of the month to add some delicious recipes to your roster!
Racial Justice Book Club – First & Only with author Jennifer R. Farmer
Tue, March 22 | 7-8:30pm | Zoom
Our March title is First & Only: A Black Woman’s Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life by Jennifer Farmer, and we will meet in conversation with the author. First & Only is available with no holds on Hoopla as an ebook and audiobook. Discussions are held monthly on the fourth Tuesday. Although it is preferable to have read the book prior to the sessions, don’t let that stop you from joining in on our conversation. We welcome your perspective.
How to Start a Small Business
Wed, April 6 & May 4 | Marvin Auditorium C
Washburn University Small Business Development Center shares advice on researching your idea, legal structures, registration requirements, business plan resources & financing options.
Stand Against Racism – Facilitated Discussion
Thu, April 7, 14, 21, 28 | noon – 1pm | Zoom
Reflect on your learning and discuss your experiences with other community participants in a facilitated circle conversation. Register for Zoom link.
National Book Foundation Presents: The Power of Choice
Thu, April 21 | 7-9pm | Claire’s Courtyard
National Book Award-honored authors Lucas Bessire and Megha Majumdar join Kansas Poet Laureate Huascar Medina for readings and conversation. Bessire (Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains, 2021 Nonfiction Finalist) and Majumdar (A Burning, 2020 Fiction Longlist) examine how access and power operate in their work from an environmental disaster in the U.S. to a fictionalized nationalist uprising in India.
Steps to Publish Your Family Story Using Amazon
Thu, April 28 | 7-8:30pm | Marvin Auditorium or live on Zoom
Share your family’s stories of resilience. Topeka Genealogical member Terry Stahl and publisher Anne Spry share how they collaborated to prepare Terry’s family history book for publication.
Día: Let’s Play!
Sat, April 30 | 1-4pm | Library Parking Lot
Explore a variety of cultures in this family festival full of fun and games. Play games from around the world, watch performances & pick up a free kids book while supplies last. Watch performers from several groups including FlamenKCMO and Ballet Folklorico. Performances will begin at 2:30pm. You’re welcome to bring lawn chairs to watch performances. Día is made possible by The Library Foundation through contributions from The National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Resilience: A Sansei Sense of Legacy
March 11-May 22 | Alice C. Sabatini Gallery
Told from the point of view of 3rd generation Japanese Americans, “Resilience” is an exhibition of eight artists whose work reflects on the effect of U.S. internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Jacqueline Belden
Jacqueline oversees the library’s programming staff, ensuring library users of all ages have access to amazing opportunities to learn, grow and have fun at their public library.