bringing people together through books and conversation
Description of Events
KICKOFF EVENT!
OPEN MIC Night at The Freedom Cafe
FRIDAY, February 6, 6:30pm-8:30pm, The Freedom Cafe. Coffee House Open Mic. Sip coffee, enjoy cookies, and share poems, music, or readings inspired by The Book of Joy.
Lectures, Discussions, Workshops
8 PILLARS OF JOY
gratitude
humor
compassion
humility
forgiveness
acceptance
generosity
perspective
Documentary Film and Movie
MOVIE: Pay It Forward (2000)
MONDAY, February 9, ​2pm, Lee Public Library. ​
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A young boy starts a chain reaction of kindness by helping others and changing lives in unexpected ways. Rated PG-13. Refreshments served.​​​​​​​
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DOCUMENTARY: Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times
WEDNESDAY, February 11, 6pm, Community Church of Durham.
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A film inspired by The Book of Joy featuring the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu as they share wisdom, humor, and practical lessons on finding happiness even in difficult times.
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
TUESDAY, February 17, 6-7pm, Lee Public Library
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WEDNESDAY, March 4, 10:30am -12pm, Durham Public Library.
Coffee will be available.
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THURSDAY, March 26, 6-7pm, Madbury Public Library
Book Discussions
ORCR 2026
Book Selection
​Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with Andrew Clark, L.Ac.,
from Upright Acupuncture & Wellness​
TUESDAY, February 17, 6:30-7:30pm, Durham Public Library
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In this evening discussion, Andrew Clark will explore how the Pillar of Perspective from The Book of Joy beautifully echoes the foundations of Classical Chinese medical theory. Chinese Classical thought views symptoms as expressions of a larger, interconnected system. Rather than reducing the body to individual components, it understands each person as a microcosm of the macrocosm — shaped by nature, community, and the greater patterns of life. By widening our lens beyond the personal or the symptomatic, we shift from fragmentation to relationship, from problem to pattern. Andrew will discuss how this broader perspective not only informs diagnosis and healing, but also mirrors the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu’s invitation to see our experiences within a wider field of meaning, connection, and interdependence.
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Philosophy for Everyone with UNH Associate UNH Associate Professor Timm Triplett​
THURSDAY, February 19, 6-7pm, Madbury Public Library
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If you appreciate beauty, if you are still full of wonder, if you ponder the meaning of life, you will love this program led by UNH Associate Professor of Philosophy, Timm Triplett. Professor Triplett's hands-on philosophy inspires you to free your curiosity, re-affirm your sense of wonder, and convey your love of wisdom to children, who are themselves delightfully receptive to the excitement of philosophical questions. A NH Humanities Program.
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Is Humility the Gateway to Diversity, Collaboration, and Compassion with Bryan Bessette​
SUNDAY, March 1, 3-4pm, The Freedom Cafe
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Bring a journal for this interactive conversation.
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Creating Comics from Shared Stories with Cartoonist, Marek Bennett
TUESDAY, March 3, 6-7pm, Lee Public Library
Through sample artwork, historical source materials, and live cartooning demonstrations,
this program looks at how collaborative cartooning — “drawing together” — helps us
explore identities, share perspectives, and deepen connections in our communities.
A NH Humanities to Go Program.​
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MEMOIR WRITING WORKSHOP with Katherine Towler
WEDNESDAY, March 11, 6-7:30pm, Madbury Public Library
All levels of writers welcomed!​
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PANEL DISCUSSION: Compassion as a Calling
THURSDAY, March 12, 5:30-6:30pm, St. George's Episcopal Church
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PRESENTATION with Wendy Fogg of Misty Meadows Herbal Center
WEDNESDAY, April 1 6-7pm, Lee Public Library
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Reflect on how love is shaped by ego, identity, and the desire to be seen, and how it can
both complicate and deepen life. Tea will be served.
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Meditation
Family Fun
SOUND MEDITATION with Peggo
SUNDAY, March 8, 4-6pm, Community Church of Durham
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Participate in a vibrational "sound bath" for deep relaxation, stress relief,
inner connection and gratitude. It’s recommended to bring a towel or yoga mat.​
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MINDFULNESS MEDITATION on Forgiveness
SUNDAY, March 15, 4-5pm, Community Church of Durham
Led by Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, Kate Grishaw-Jones. Open for all levels- newcomers to experienced.
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BREATHWORK WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, March 24, 6-7:30pm, Durham Public Library
Experience calm, clarity, and connection through simple, guided breathing practices to relax mind, body, and spirit.
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GUIDED MEDITATION on Compassion with Chris Chance.
WEDNESDAY, March 25, 6-7pm, Durham Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
IMPROV, GAMES, PLAYTIME, CREATIVE MOVEMENT with Chris Chance
WEDNESDAY, March 4, 6-7pm, Durham Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
For all ages!
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FAMILY CRAFT: Make a Gratitude Jar!
SATURDAY, March 14, 9:30-11:30am, Lee Public Library
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TRIVIA: Trivia Night: Where’s the Joy?
​TUESDAY, April 14, 6-7:30pm, Lee Public Library
Come and have some family fun answering questions that will make you smile, think, and maybe laugh out loud.
FINAL CELEBRATION
BUILD Community Connections
at the historic barn at Powder Major Farm
SATURDAY, April 18, Powder Major’s Farm, 6 Cherry Lane, Madbury
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Join us with our friends from the Great Bay Rotary Club to meet local nonprofits, enjoy food and friendship, and discover ways to serve. All ages welcome!
Check back for start time.