
June - The Word for World is Forest
A thoughtful group discussion of Ursula K. Le Guin’s science fiction novella The Word for World is Forest, centered on themes of ecology, colonialism, and resistance. Gather outdoors at the Asheville Botanical Gardens for reflective conversation with fellow readers.
Similar Events

Casual introvert friendly meetup that starts with low key chatting before a quiet hour of reading your own fantasy or sci fi book side by side. Wrap up with optional rants and raves in an indoor lounge or outdoor patio setting.

Casual introvert friendly meetup that starts with low key chatting before a quiet hour of reading your own fantasy or sci fi book side by side. Wrap up with optional rants and raves in an indoor lounge or outdoor patio setting.
Casual introvert friendly meetup that starts with low key chatting before a quiet hour of reading your own fantasy or sci fi book side by side. Wrap up with optional rants and raves in an indoor lounge or outdoor patio setting.

Lively, reader-led discussions dig into books on international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, pairing big-picture context with local conversation. Ideal for curious adults who like thoughtful debate and civic-minded learning.

Lively, reader-led discussions dig into books on international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, pairing big-picture context with local conversation. Ideal for curious adults who like thoughtful debate and civic-minded learning.
Lively, reader-led discussions dig into books on international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, pairing big-picture context with local conversation. Ideal for curious adults who like thoughtful debate and civic-minded learning.

A laid-back sci fi book discussion of Alastair Reynolds’ “Pushing Ice” in a neighborhood pub setting with beer and conversation. Drop in even if you didn’t finish the book, and get a preview of next month’s pick.

A laid-back sci fi book discussion of Alastair Reynolds’ “Pushing Ice” in a neighborhood pub setting with beer and conversation. Drop in even if you didn’t finish the book, and get a preview of next month’s pick.
A laid-back sci fi book discussion of Alastair Reynolds’ “Pushing Ice” in a neighborhood pub setting with beer and conversation. Drop in even if you didn’t finish the book, and get a preview of next month’s pick.

Community-centered book discussion exploring literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. Hosted at the YMI Cultural Center with guided conversation led by the Director of Community Engagement.

Community-centered book discussion exploring literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. Hosted at the YMI Cultural Center with guided conversation led by the Director of Community Engagement.
Community-centered book discussion exploring literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. Hosted at the YMI Cultural Center with guided conversation led by the Director of Community Engagement.

Thought-provoking group discussion centered on books about international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, with space to unpack historical analysis and current global trends. Ideal for engaged readers who enjoy informed, civic-minded conversation in a library setting.

Thought-provoking group discussion centered on books about international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, with space to unpack historical analysis and current global trends. Ideal for engaged readers who enjoy informed, civic-minded conversation in a library setting.
Thought-provoking group discussion centered on books about international politics, economics, culture, and climate change, with space to unpack historical analysis and current global trends. Ideal for engaged readers who enjoy informed, civic-minded conversation in a library setting.

A science focused community talk on how urban forests support ecosystem services and climate resilience, and why tree canopy is often undervalued in development planning. Led by UNCA and MHU biology professors with Q and A discussion.

A science focused community talk on how urban forests support ecosystem services and climate resilience, and why tree canopy is often undervalued in development planning. Led by UNCA and MHU biology professors with Q and A discussion.
A science focused community talk on how urban forests support ecosystem services and climate resilience, and why tree canopy is often undervalued in development planning. Led by UNCA and MHU biology professors with Q and A discussion.

A monthly lunchtime talk and discussion on urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide, exploring how tree canopy and green infrastructure are often overlooked in development planning. Expect conservation focused community conversation and practical context for local policy.

A monthly lunchtime talk and discussion on urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide, exploring how tree canopy and green infrastructure are often overlooked in development planning. Expect conservation focused community conversation and practical context for local policy.
A monthly lunchtime talk and discussion on urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide, exploring how tree canopy and green infrastructure are often overlooked in development planning. Expect conservation focused community conversation and practical context for local policy.

Monthly morning book discussion group at Pack Memorial Library where readers chat through a rotating mix of genres in a welcoming, low pressure setting. Drop in as a newcomer or regular for community conversation around books.

Monthly morning book discussion group at Pack Memorial Library where readers chat through a rotating mix of genres in a welcoming, low pressure setting. Drop in as a newcomer or regular for community conversation around books.
Monthly morning book discussion group at Pack Memorial Library where readers chat through a rotating mix of genres in a welcoming, low pressure setting. Drop in as a newcomer or regular for community conversation around books.

Small, friendly discussion of Robert Macfarlane’s environmental nonfiction exploring rivers as living beings, weaving global travel writing with ecology and the legal concept of river personhood. Casual conversation and connection among Asheville’s digital nomads in a bookstore cafe setting.

Small, friendly discussion of Robert Macfarlane’s environmental nonfiction exploring rivers as living beings, weaving global travel writing with ecology and the legal concept of river personhood. Casual conversation and connection among Asheville’s digital nomads in a bookstore cafe setting.
Small, friendly discussion of Robert Macfarlane’s environmental nonfiction exploring rivers as living beings, weaving global travel writing with ecology and the legal concept of river personhood. Casual conversation and connection among Asheville’s digital nomads in a bookstore cafe setting.
A facilitated discussion group digs into writings from Margaret Wheatley, Vanessa Machado de Oliveira, Jeremy Lent, Jem Bendell, and others on societal collapse and how to stay grounded. Expect thoughtful dialogue, reflection, and community resilience building in a library setting.
A facilitated discussion group digs into writings from Margaret Wheatley, Vanessa Machado de Oliveira, Jeremy Lent, Jem Bendell, and others on societal collapse and how to stay grounded. Expect thoughtful dialogue, reflection, and community resilience building in a library setting.
A facilitated discussion group digs into writings from Margaret Wheatley, Vanessa Machado de Oliveira, Jeremy Lent, Jem Bendell, and others on societal collapse and how to stay grounded. Expect thoughtful dialogue, reflection, and community resilience building in a library setting.

Guided forest-bathing walk through mature Blue Ridge Arboretum trails, emphasizing slow-paced sensory practices—breath awareness, mindful listening, and grounding exercises—to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in a curated woodland setting.

Guided forest-bathing walk through mature Blue Ridge Arboretum trails, emphasizing slow-paced sensory practices—breath awareness, mindful listening, and grounding exercises—to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in a curated woodland setting.
Guided forest-bathing walk through mature Blue Ridge Arboretum trails, emphasizing slow-paced sensory practices—breath awareness, mindful listening, and grounding exercises—to deepen nature connection and reduce stress in a curated woodland setting.

A relaxed coffeehouse discussion centered on A Rebellion of Care, digging into mutual aid, solidarity, and community care. Expect thoughtful conversation in a local roastery setting with space for reflection and connection.

A relaxed coffeehouse discussion centered on A Rebellion of Care, digging into mutual aid, solidarity, and community care. Expect thoughtful conversation in a local roastery setting with space for reflection and connection.
A relaxed coffeehouse discussion centered on A Rebellion of Care, digging into mutual aid, solidarity, and community care. Expect thoughtful conversation in a local roastery setting with space for reflection and connection.

Lively book discussion of Bioy Casares’s island-set novella blending suspense, exploration, and an uncanny romance with crystal-clear yet deeply mysterious details. A late-night gathering for literary fiction fans drawn to Borges-adjacent plotting and philosophical sci-fi.

Lively book discussion of Bioy Casares’s island-set novella blending suspense, exploration, and an uncanny romance with crystal-clear yet deeply mysterious details. A late-night gathering for literary fiction fans drawn to Borges-adjacent plotting and philosophical sci-fi.
Lively book discussion of Bioy Casares’s island-set novella blending suspense, exploration, and an uncanny romance with crystal-clear yet deeply mysterious details. A late-night gathering for literary fiction fans drawn to Borges-adjacent plotting and philosophical sci-fi.

Hands-on dusk foraging walks exploring edible wild plants and mushrooms around Asheville, led by local guides who teach identification, sustainable harvesting, and seasonal ethnobotanical uses.

Hands-on dusk foraging walks exploring edible wild plants and mushrooms around Asheville, led by local guides who teach identification, sustainable harvesting, and seasonal ethnobotanical uses.
Hands-on dusk foraging walks exploring edible wild plants and mushrooms around Asheville, led by local guides who teach identification, sustainable harvesting, and seasonal ethnobotanical uses.
A slow, sensory forest bathing experience unfolds along the NC Arboretum’s lush trails, emphasizing mindful presence and gentle nature immersion. Expect a calming outdoor reset with guided pauses for breath, sound, and observation.
A slow, sensory forest bathing experience unfolds along the NC Arboretum’s lush trails, emphasizing mindful presence and gentle nature immersion. Expect a calming outdoor reset with guided pauses for breath, sound, and observation.
A slow, sensory forest bathing experience unfolds along the NC Arboretum’s lush trails, emphasizing mindful presence and gentle nature immersion. Expect a calming outdoor reset with guided pauses for breath, sound, and observation.

A monthly group discussion centered on the club’s current book selection, with time for shared reflections and lively conversation. Gather in a quiet library setting for a relaxed, community-focused literary meetup.

A monthly group discussion centered on the club’s current book selection, with time for shared reflections and lively conversation. Gather in a quiet library setting for a relaxed, community-focused literary meetup.
A monthly group discussion centered on the club’s current book selection, with time for shared reflections and lively conversation. Gather in a quiet library setting for a relaxed, community-focused literary meetup.

An ecology focused talk in a botanical garden on how pesticides affect bees and other pollinators, with practical strategies for creating safer habitats. Expect science based guidance for gardeners and local environmental stewards.

An ecology focused talk in a botanical garden on how pesticides affect bees and other pollinators, with practical strategies for creating safer habitats. Expect science based guidance for gardeners and local environmental stewards.
An ecology focused talk in a botanical garden on how pesticides affect bees and other pollinators, with practical strategies for creating safer habitats. Expect science based guidance for gardeners and local environmental stewards.
Community conversation on climate justice and collective care, focused on staying emotionally present and engaged amid environmental change. Expect reflective dialogue, peer support, and practical coping tools in a wellness center setting.
Community conversation on climate justice and collective care, focused on staying emotionally present and engaged amid environmental change. Expect reflective dialogue, peer support, and practical coping tools in a wellness center setting.
Community conversation on climate justice and collective care, focused on staying emotionally present and engaged amid environmental change. Expect reflective dialogue, peer support, and practical coping tools in a wellness center setting.

An overnight campout near Morganton with river swims, lawn games, hammock naps, and stargazing under the trees. Settle in for campfire chats and easygoing outdoor connection with new friends, about an hour from Asheville.

An overnight campout near Morganton with river swims, lawn games, hammock naps, and stargazing under the trees. Settle in for campfire chats and easygoing outdoor connection with new friends, about an hour from Asheville.
An overnight campout near Morganton with river swims, lawn games, hammock naps, and stargazing under the trees. Settle in for campfire chats and easygoing outdoor connection with new friends, about an hour from Asheville.

Romantasy book discussion centered on the most epic grovels and hard-earned redemption arcs, spotlighting love interests who’ve badly messed up and fight to win forgiveness. Expect lively debate and trope talk in a botanical garden setting.

Romantasy book discussion centered on the most epic grovels and hard-earned redemption arcs, spotlighting love interests who’ve badly messed up and fight to win forgiveness. Expect lively debate and trope talk in a botanical garden setting.
Romantasy book discussion centered on the most epic grovels and hard-earned redemption arcs, spotlighting love interests who’ve badly messed up and fight to win forgiveness. Expect lively debate and trope talk in a botanical garden setting.