Join us in building community together—Now in our second year.

Come be a part of something truly special: A monthly gathering to explore race, faith, identity, and community through books and readings selected by the group itself.

Facilitated by Joyce Sharrock-Cole (Ossining Village Historian) and Abbe Marcus (Executive Director, JTC Experiences), these gatherings begin with light refreshments and informal exchange, followed by an hour of focused discussion. By meeting monthly, the intent is to build understanding, relationships, and community over time.

Schedule: We meet at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity from 7 to 8:30 PM—usually on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The next date in the 2025-26 season will be Jan. 20. Additional 2026 dates will be announced shortly.

Materials: Books are available for purchase (for a 10% discount off the cover price) at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity.

Cost: There is no fee to participate; we simply ask for your RSVP for planning purposes.

For January 20

At our fourth meeting of the season, we’ll discuss There There, by Tommy Orange. Bookshop.org describes There There as follows:

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A wondrous and shattering award-winning novel that follows twelve characters from Native communities: all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow, all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize.

A contemporary classic, this “astonishing literary debut” (Margaret Atwood, bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale) “places Native American voices front and center” (NPR/Fresh Air).

Stop by the bookstore and pick up a copy for 10% off!

Building Bridges Through Books is sponsored by Congregation Sons of Israel, First Church of Christ, JTC Experiences, and Hudson Valley Books for Humanity.

Contact the host of Building Bridges Through Books - Jan. 20, 2026