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Main Event: Many Voices

Sarah Eagle Heart, Tyler Merritt and Temple Grandin

Our Main Event returns with an exciting range of voices. Join us for evenings with Sarah Eagle Heart (Oct. 3), Tyler Merritt (Oct. 17), and Temple Grandin (Oct. 24; sold out).

Sarah Eagle Heart: Emmy award-winning storyteller focused on education and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples

October 3, 6:30 pm: Main Library Auditorium

What is Mitakuye Oyasin? Mitakuye Oyasin is the Lakota amen. It means we are all related; we are all connected… to the two-legged, four-legged, winged, and Mother Earth. This knowledge is inherent from the time you are born; you are constantly reminded that the world is bigger than yourself. Sarah is a strong advocate on behalf of Indigenous Peoples whose deep perspective is rooted in her life story as an Oglala Lakota activist raised on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Sarah is currently Co - CEO of Return to the Heart Foundation, an Indigenous women-led organization, focused on resourcing innovative Indigenous women-led initiatives in the ecosystems of narrative change, healing, climate justice, civic engagement, and restorative and regenerative development. Join us as we learn Indigenous worldview and collectivity from Sarah Eagle Heart. Presented in partnership with the Portage Path Collaborative. 

Tyler Merritt: Actor, comedian, viral sensation, activist, & founder of The Tyler Merritt Project

October 17, 6:30 pm: Main Library Auditorium

In his memoir, "I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America," Tyler tells hilarious stories about his life as a black man in America. As a 6'2" dreadlocked black man living in the South, Merritt is well aware of stereotypes and their potentially dangerous consequences. In response, Merritt has devoted his creativity to bringing his ethos of "Love. Learn. Create." to life through his words and videos as part of The Tyler Merritt Project. Merritt takes his audiences along with him on a journey of contradictions: at turns both funny and sad, mysterious, and relatable, commonplace, and dangerous, he shines a light on "full-spectrum humanity" (The New York Times) that makes an impactful and relevant message. Merritt's emphasis on humility and connection provides an urgent roadmap during turbulent times, challenging audiences to see our differences as a unifying force for humankind.

Temple Grandin: World-Famous Animal Scientist & Autism Self-Advocate

October 24, 6:30 pm: Main Library Auditorium

**9/16/22 Update: This event is full. Registration is closed.**

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, with signs of severe autism, Temple Grandin spent many hours in speech therapy and intensive teaching, enabling her to learn speech. Life was hard growing up but inspired by her high school science teacher and aunt on her ranch in Arizona motivated Temple to study and pursue a career as a scientist and livestock equipment designer. Now, Temple is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and she has been a pioneer in improving the handling and welfare of farm animals. Through many years of hard work, several published books, and international recognition Temple presents her latest book "Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions." With her genius for demystifying science, Grandin draws on cutting-edge research to take us inside visual thinking, proposing new approaches to educating, parenting, employing, and collaborating with visual thinkers. In a highly competitive world, this important book helps us see that we need every mind on board.

Register online, in person, or by phone at 330.643.9015.

These programs are presented with generous support from the Friends of Main Library. 

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