Ahead of Veterans Day, this circle invites veterans and their families to share stories of life before, during, and after service. Prompts explore the people and places that shaped them, letters and photographs, coming home, family traditions, and what they want younger generations to understand. No participant will be asked to recount a painful experience in order to take part. We will request that participants bring photographs that recount memories in the services such as their official service portrait.

Hosted by MeckRoots · Facilitated by Jasmine Ballard

Every family has stories worth carrying forward. Family Memory Lab is a welcoming, hands-on workshop for turning a photograph, meaningful object, or remembered moment into the beginning of a story.

Through guided prompts and conversation, participants will explore what they know, what they want to ask, and how to preserve the details that give a memory its meaning. You’ll leave with a story started and questions you can use with family members and loved ones.

You’re welcome to bring a photograph or object, but no preparation, family-history research, or storytelling experience is needed. Share only what feels comfortable.

What dish tastes like home? Who taught you to make it, and what happened around the table while it was served? This gathering uses food, recipes, kitchens, and family meals as invitations to tell stories about the people and traditions that raised us. Participants can share a memory, describe a dish, or bring a recipe card or photograph. Food preparation and service are not required.

This intergenerational gathering invites older adults, younger relatives, and community members to exchange stories about family and seasonal traditions. Prompts explore how gatherings have changed, the people who made them meaningful, and what participants hope the next generation will carry forward. People are welcome to attend with family or on their own. The conversation makes room for different traditions and does not assume that everyone celebrates the same holidays.

The Exchange brings an older adult and a teen together for a guided conversation about choices, challenges, skills, hopes, and what each generation can teach the other. Teens ask elders about the people who guided them, lessons learned, and advice they wish they had received. Elders ask teens what they care about, what they are navigating, and what adults may misunderstand. Each pair ends by sharing something they learned from the other.

Pairs converse within the shared program room, with facilitation and Library staff present. Participation and any guardian permissions will follow Library requirements. This is a single guided exchange; it does not require participants to commit to an ongoing mentorship relationship. However it could forge intergenerational bonds long term such as pen pals.