| Stories for Connection, Stories for Change |
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October is National Book Month, but at REACH, we see this as more than a time to celebrate books: it’s a chance to honor the power of storytelling. Stories are more than words on a page; they shape how we see the world, connect us across differences, and inspire action in our daily lives.
This month, we’ll highlight the ways books and storytelling can expand our perspectives, foster inclusion, and remind us of our shared humanity. From thought-provoking talks to curated reading lists and reflections from our community, we invite you to turn the page with us and explore how stories continue to drive equity and connection.
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Our lives are shaped by the stories we experience. Professor of Communication, Megan Adams, shares her story of how perspective widens as we encounter diverse stories — and warns if we don't learn to listen to each other better we risk further isolation and deepening partisanship in society.
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“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” ― Philip Pullman
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“Stories create community, enable us to see through the eyes of other people, and open us to the claims of others.” ― Peter Forbes
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| Book & Storytelling Opportunities🗣️ |
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Celebrate stories close to home! Check out these local events that bring books and storytelling to life across our community.
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The Moth StorySLAM (10/17)
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Check out this open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, 5-minute story on the night's theme. Sign up for a chance to tell a story or sit back and enjoy the show!
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The Word, A Storytelling Sanctuary
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The Word's biennial [margins.] program is a celebration of story telling. Gear up for 2026 and engage in their publishing talks, writing craft, community discussions, open-mics, and cohort meet ups.
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The Reading Room with The Process (10/16)
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Bring a book, enjoy a drink, and read for an uninterrupted 90 minutes, and then chat with other book-lovers!
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Randi Weingarten Live at Tattered Cover Colfax (10/15) |
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Join in for an event with the president of the American Federation of Teachers and long time educator, Randi Weingarten!
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“You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows that they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.” ― Erin Morgenstern
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| New REACH Advisor |
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Welcome, Nadia Sawaya Gauckler!
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We’re thrilled to welcome Nadia to the REACH Advisory team! Nadia is a global People & Culture executive with 15+ years of experience leading enterprise-wide strategies in diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural transformation.
As the Founder & Principal Consultant of Inclusion Works, Nadia partners with organizations worldwide to embed inclusive leadership, cultural intelligence, and ethical AI into workforce strategies that drive innovation, resilience, and long-term value.
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“Listen, and you will realize that we are made not from cells or from atoms. We are made from stories.” ― Mia Couto
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| “To serve as an educational and cultural resource for the people of Denver, Colorado and the world, focusing on the history, literature, art, music, religion and politics of African Americans in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain West.” |
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| Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library💡 |
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The Blair Caldwell Library was created as a space to preserve and showcase the many contributions and accomplishments of African Americans to the City of Denver and the West. In February 2002, groundbreaking for the new library took place to start construction on a 40,000 foot circulating library, archive and museum.
The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library opened its doors April 2003 and has become what many refer to as the “gateway to historic Five Points and jewel of the community. " It has joined an elite group as one of only five other library institutions including the New York Public Library’s Schomburg branch, that encompasses a circulating collection, archive and museum.
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“A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which to look ahead.” ― Graham Greene
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| Advisor Book Recommendations📚 |
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Our REACH Advisors are turning the page with us! Discover the books that have shaped their perspectives, inspired their leadership, and continue to influence the way they build inclusive communities.
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Falling Forward by John C. Maxwell
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Recommended by Lori Marie Huertas. "Falling Forward reshaped my perspective on leadership and resilience. Maxwell’s idea that failure is not final but formative reminded me that progress often comes through persistence, reflection, and learning from setbacks. This philosophy now guides my approach to leadership: I encourage students and colleagues alike to take risks, innovate, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Failing forward has become a mindset I carry daily, one that fuels both personal courage and professional impact."
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The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle
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Recommended by Mason Jasuta. "The Culture Code is a great read on creating and maintaining a culture that supports members of whatever group you are in and fostering growth and innovation."
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The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
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Recommended by Nadia Sawaya Gauckler. "Having lived and worked across different countries and cultures, I’ve often seen how the smallest differences, in how we give feedback, build trust, or make decisions, can shape the success of a team. While the book is often seen as a guide for navigating global teams, I’ve found its lessons just as powerful here in the United States, where we work across many different cultural backgrounds, generations, and lived experiences. The real-world stories show how recognizing and respecting these differences, whether across countries or within our own communities, can prevent misunderstandings and foster stronger collaboration. For me, it was affirming to see that what often feels like a challenge in leading diverse teams can actually become a source of strength when we approach it with curiosity and respect. It’s a reminder that inclusion is not just about who is at the table but about how we create the conditions for every voice to be heard and valued."
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Together by Vivek H. Murthey, MD
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Recommended by Elianne Van Slyke, REACH's Program Coordinator. "I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the science of social connection. Vivek weaves together topics like ACEs, shame, public health, and cultural differences to tell a powerful story about loneliness. His blend of medical insight, personal experience, and research offers a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective."
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Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
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Recommended by Chris Guererro. "I enjoyed this book many years ago while I was still learning how to be a better leader. It taught me how to mature my conversations with my co-workers, colleges and even my partner. I really like how it teaches you to listen, be more empathetic and never be afraid to start a tough line of dialogue."
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Women Don’t Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever |
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Recommended by Carey Hicks. "This book powerfully shifted how I view negotiation in my life and career. It reveals that women’s reluctance to negotiate is shaped by cultural and workplace norms that teach girls to prioritize harmony and discourage self-advocacy. The research-driven evidence and personal stories made me realize my hesitation was rooted in deep-seated societal forces, not lack of ability. Babcock and Laschever’s practical negotiation strategies empowered me to advocate for myself and others, without fear of disrupting relationships. This book pushed me not only to negotiate more confidently but also to believe that asking can gradually change cultures that have long held women back."
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“Humans are pattern-seeking story-telling animals, and we are quite adept at telling stories about patterns, whether they exist or not.” ― Michael Shermer
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Donate to Denver Public Library Friends Foundation🎗️
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Make an online gift in support of a library program, service, or areas of greatest need.
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“We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” ― Jimmy Neil Smith
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| Giving Back & Community Involvement |
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| Book Donations & Resources📖 |
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