Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

When Trees Testify: An Online Author Talk-Beronda Montgomery

Reclaiming America?s Black Botanical Legacy,

2026-08-25 14:00:00 2026-08-25 15:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis When Trees Testify: An Online Author Talk-Beronda Montgomery Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America?s Black Botanical Legacy. Online - Online

Tuesday, August 25
2:00pm - 3:00pm

Add to Calendar

Online

Online

Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America?s Black Botanical Legacy.

The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicine. These trees, and others, testify not only to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expertise that, like Native American traditions, predates the United States entirely.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Authors and Book Discussions |

Columbus
Phone: 812-379-1255
Hours
Skip Locations Widget widget

Columbus

Mon, Jul 20 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Jul 21 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Jul 22 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Jul 23 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Jul 24 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Jul 25 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Sun, Jul 26 Closed
previous
this week
next
Address
536 5th Street
Columbus, IN 47201
Tel: 812-379-1255

The Main Library is located in the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus at 536 Fifth Street. Completed in 1969 and designed by architect I.M. Pei, it features library collections for children, teens, and adults. It also houses the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, Family and Local History collection, and BCPL Create studio.  

About the branch

The Main Library is located in the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus at 536 Fifth Street. Completed in 1969 and designed by architect I.M. Pei, it features library collections for children, teens, and adults. It also houses the Columbus Indiana Architectural Archives, Family and Local History collection, and BCPL Create studio.  

Upcoming events

Skip Upcoming Events widget
Mondays at Mill Race Storytime - and BCPL Express!
Mon, Jul 27, 10:00am - 10:30am
Mill Race Park - Amphitheater by 5th Street Entrance
Stories, songs, rhymes, and books to keep at Mill Race Park!
Flow Yoga
Mon, Jul 27, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Adults Reading YA Book Club: Reading Roadtrip
Mon, Jul 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Camila's
It's the end of this summer's Reading Roadtrip, and to celebrate we're reading teen roadtrip novels! Read any teen fiction book where the characters go on a road trip.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jul 28, 9:15am - 10:00am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Jul 28, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Jul 28, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Jul 28, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
The Power of Connection: An Online Author Talk - Creating Lasting FriendshipsWith Dr. Marisa Franco
Tue, Jul 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online - Online
Join us in a virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world?s leading experts in human connection. Register
Legal Aid Clinic
Tue, Jul 28, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
All Book'd Book Club
Tue, Jul 28, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Book Club
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jul 30, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
July 30th Library Babies will be a Baby Playdate without a structured storytime. Meet new friends and enjoy some quiet playtime!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jul 30, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
July 30th Library Babies will be a Baby Playdate without a structured storytime. Meet new friends and enjoy some quiet playtime!
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Jul 30, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
July 30th Library Babies will be a Baby Playdate without a structured storytime. Meet new friends and enjoy some quiet playtime!
Henry Moore's Birthday Party! - For art lovers of all ages!
Thu, Jul 30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Celebrate the birthday of Large Arch Sculptor, Henry Moore, with BCPL! Art lovers of all ages can make their own arch from air dry clay, enjoy birthday cake, and add to our community art piece.
3D Printing 101
Thu, Jul 30, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
Step into the world of 3D printing. This introductory class is perfect for anyone curious about this exciting technology. No experience? No problem!
America's Mixtape: Banister Blue Grass - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert Series
Fri, Jul 31, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Banister Blue Grass brings a mix of bluegrass and Americana to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 03, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Chair Yoga
Tue, Aug 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen: An Online Author Talk - with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Tue, Aug 04, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online - Online
Join us for a conversation that?s sure to warm your heart as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson.Register
Skill Builders:
Wed, Aug 05, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. This month, we will be making a [insert activity here}.
Skill Builders:
Wed, Aug 05, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
Have fun crafting while we socialize. This month, we will be making a [insert activity here}.
Teen First Day of School Ice Cream Celebration!
Wed, Aug 05, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Celebrate the first day of school with an ice cream party! While supplies last.
Bartholomew County Writer's Group
Wed, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Make connections, learn, and share with other area authors.
Building a Trail from the Ground up - Presented by Sierra club Winding Waters Group
Wed, Aug 05, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
 Sarah Akemon shares how she planned and built a new trail at Yellow Birch Ravine?from concept to construction?balancing habitat protection with visitor access.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 06, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, Aug 06, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-5 are invited to dance with local dance teacher, Megan! Caregivers will stay in the room with their dancers. Registration is requested.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 06, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 06, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Zine Workshop
Thu, Aug 06, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to make a small zine, which you can add to the library's collection or take home. Set intentions for the school year, write a story, or simply collage. All supplies provided.
Thursday Film Club - Breakfast club (1985)
Thu, Aug 06, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Five high school students with totally different lives spend a Saturday in detention and discover they have more in common than they ever imagined. A smart, funny, and heartfelt coming?of?age classic.
Teen Crochet Camp: Hangout
Fri, Aug 07, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Beginner-friendly, you can come and learn to crochet or bring you current work in progress and sit and crochet alongside other teens who crochet. Plenty of yarn and hooks will be provided.
America's Mixtape: Catedral Nortena - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert
Fri, Aug 07, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Catedral Nortena brings Mexican regional music to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 10, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Teen Coloring Party
Mon, Aug 10, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Unwind from school by joining us for a relaxing coloring party. A wide variety of coloring pages will be available, as well as plenty of markers, colored pencils, gel pens, and Sharpies.
Tween Stitch Camp - Grades 4-6
Mon, Aug 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Tweens can join library staff to learn and practice the basics of both crocheting and knitting. Beginners welcome, no experience needed! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Aug 10, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Photography 101
Mon, Aug 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join members of the Viewfinders Photography club to learn the basics of photography. All skill levels welcome.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 11, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 11, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Cuentos y Cantos - Bilingual Storytime in Spanish and English
Tue, Aug 11, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
¡Los niños de 3-5 años están invitados a una hora de cuentos bilingües en Español e Inglés! Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to a Bilingual storytime in Spanish and English!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Aug 11, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen Drop-in
Tue, Aug 11, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Low Energy, Motivation & Hormone Issues: Low T and PCOS - With Dr. Trevor Miller
Tue, Aug 11, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Red Room
Low energy, low motivation, and stubborn fatigue may signal hormone imbalance. Learn how low testosterone and PCOS affect mood/metabolism?and simple lifestyle steps to feel like you again.
Hope Family Crafternoon
Wed, Aug 12, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Hope - Hope Library (Annex)
Bring the family for Hope Family Crafternoon! This month, we will create colorful Shrinky Dinks. All ages and abilities welcome!
Teen Film Series: Back to School
Wed, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
12 - High School Musical 19 - High School Musical 2 26 - High School Musical 3
Teen Drop-in
Wed, Aug 12, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Eastside - Community Room
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Drama Club
Wed, Aug 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children in grades 1-6 are invited to join us for Drama Club! This monthly program will explore fun theater and stage activities.
Registration opens Saturday, August 1 2026 at 9:00am
Civics Here in Columbus - Ask and Educator
Wed, Aug 12, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Eastside - Community Room
Bring your questions about civics and local government and get clear, nonpartisan answers and practical ways to stay involved.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 13, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 13, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 13, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Aug 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Aug 13, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Hooks and Needles
Sat, Aug 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 17, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
Mon, Aug 17, 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Give Blood, Save a Life! The bloodmobile will be on the Plaza; please register for an appointment. Register
Library Board of Trustees
Mon, Aug 17, 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
The Library Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Bartholomew County Public Library. They meet once a month to pay bills, set policies, and other governance issues. Everyone is welcome!
Columbus Viewfinders
Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Learn about different photography topics and share what you know. Minimal annual dues involved after one to two meetings.
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Adult Game Night
Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Columbus
Great for veteran gamers and new friends, choose from the library?s selection of games, and / or bring your own. We might even do trivia? Meet in the family side of Columbus Bar, 322 4th Street.
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 18, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 18, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Aug 18, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Aug 18, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
Teen STEAM: 3D Pens
Tue, Aug 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to use our 3D pens to make works of art.
Tween STEM Time
Tue, Aug 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Do you love robotics, coding, building, and just science in general? Join your friends for an hour of fun including Hack Pack, Coding, Robot Fights and More!
Registration opens Saturday, August 1 2026 at 9:00am
Adult Craft Night: Ocean Resin Art
Tue, Aug 18, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Make ocean resin art with layered blues and foamy waves, sand, shells, and glass for a beachy canvas to take home.
Hooks and Needles
Wed, Aug 19, 10:00am - 11:00am
Hope - Hope Branch Library
The Hooks and Needles program is for all types of needle crafters to gather, create, and socialize.
Teen Film Series: Back to School
Wed, Aug 19, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
12 - High School Musical 19 - High School Musical 2 26 - High School Musical 3
Adult Storytime
Wed, Aug 19, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Adult Story Time: a calm, welcoming hour of reading aloud and shared listening.
Inner Shelf Book Club - The Blue Line Letters by Steven Christiansen
Wed, Aug 19, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
On August 19th, the Inner Shelf Book Club will be meeting at 6:30 in the Conference Room to discuss The Blue Line Letters by Steven Christiansen.
Preschool Dance Class with Megan - Ages 2-5
Thu, Aug 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Children ages 2-5 are invited to dance with local dance teacher, Megan! Caregivers will stay in the room with their dancers. Registration is requested.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 20, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 20, 10:35am - 11:00am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Library Babies - For infants from birth to 18 months
Thu, Aug 20, 11:05am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
This relaxed program is a baby-friendly introduction to storytime.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
Thu, Aug 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
Create a level 5, fifth edition character prior to the game or use a pre-created character to explore the world of D&D. This game is beginner-friendly. All materials provided.
Tween Game Time
Thu, Aug 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Tween Area
Stop by after school and join us for some laid-back fun as we play our way through our collection of board, card, and dice games. Game selection may vary.
Teen Game Day
Thu, Aug 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Learn to play new games and enjoy older ones in this afterschool games club. Play an assortment of board games and card games, and enjoy games on our new gaming PCs and arcade machine.
Podcast Production 101
Thu, Aug 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Meeting Room 4
So, you have an idea for a podcast but don't know where to start with production? Go over hardware and software options, audio recording and editing basics, and find a website to host your podcast. 
Teen Crochet Camp: Amigurumi
Fri, Aug 21, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Teens who already know the basics of crochet are invited to come and make a surprise amigurumi. Pattern and supplies provided.
America's Mixtape: Guben Guthrie & Albert Nolting - A Reading Roadtrip Summer Concert
Fri, Aug 21, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Columbus - Library Plaza
Ruben Guthrie & Albert Nolting bring a blend of rock, folk, and Americana to the Plaza for a summer evening of live music. Show up, settle in, and have a great evening with neighbors and friends.
Flow Yoga
Mon, Aug 24, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga instructor Sonia Aponte. This class will focus on a smooth, continuous flow of movements linked to the breath to help achieve a mind/body balance.
Teen Storytime with Dakota
Mon, Aug 24, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Teen Room
Relax and listen to Dakota read a book.
The Superhero Comic in 'Reel'-Time - Nationally acclaimed MARVEL illustrator, Jerry DeCaire
Mon, Aug 24, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Watch professional comic book artist Jerry DeCaire bring superheroes to life right before your eyes! See a semi-animated slideshow detailing how a comic book is made followed by a real-time drawing.
Registration opens Saturday, August 1 2026 at 9:00am
Family Storytime - Ages 1-5
Mon, Aug 24, 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Children's Programming Room
Join us at the library for Family Storytime!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 25, 9:15am - 9:45am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Toddler Time - Ages 1-3
Tue, Aug 25, 10:00am - 10:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Toddler Time!
Preschool Storytime - Ages 3-5
Tue, Aug 25, 11:00am - 11:30am
Columbus - Red Room
Join us at the library for Storytime!
Chair Yoga
Tue, Aug 25, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Columbus - Red Room
Join us for a one-hour session with certified yoga and chair yoga instructor. These sessions are great for beginners and those who want to focus on gentle practice.
When Trees Testify: An Online Author Talk-Beronda Montgomery - Reclaiming America?s Black Botanical Legacy,
Tue, Aug 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Online - Online
Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America?s Black Botanical Legacy. Register
Teen Drop-in
Tue, Aug 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Hope - Hope Branch Library
Join us for a Teen Hangout! There will be a possibility of games, crafts, and definitely fun!
Legal Aid Clinic
Tue, Aug 25, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Columbus - Lower Level Reception Area,Meeting Room 3,Meeting Room 4,Meeting Room 5
3pm - 4pm General Civil Advice Clinic 4pm - 5pm Eviction Legal Advice
All Book'd Book Club
Tue, Aug 25, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Columbus - Conference Room
Join us for a lively discussion of this month's book.
See all events