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Register 9 Seats Remaining

Family Stories: Writing Our Roots, Relationships & Legacies

with Brenda Johnson

2026-11-13 10:30:00 2026-11-13 12:00:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis Family Stories: Writing Our Roots, Relationships & Legacies Exploring family history, memory, traditions, complicated relationships, and the stories passed through generations. Amherst Writers & Artists-method writing workshops are designed to encourage reflection, connection, and self-expression for adults of all writing experience levels. Glendale Branch -

Friday, November 13
10:30am - 12:00pm

Exploring family history, memory, traditions, complicated relationships, and the stories passed through generations. Amherst Writers & Artists-method writing workshops are designed to encourage reflection, connection, and self-expression for adults of all writing experience levels.

Every family carries stories — the ones told around kitchen tables, the ones carefully preserved, and sometimes the ones left unspoken.

In this supportive 90-minute writing workshop using the Amherst Writers & Artists method, participants will explore memories, family traditions, relationships, personal history, and the people who helped shape their lives. Through guided prompts and optional sharing, writers of all experience levels are invited to reflect on the moments, voices, and experiences that connect generations.

Because every family story is layered and ongoing, this workshop is designed as a meaningful beginning — a place to spark memories, remember stories, and begin writing that workshop participants may continue to explore long after the session ends.

No writing experience is necessary. Participants are encouraged to write freely in a confidential, respectful, and encouraging environment where every voice is welcomed.

Brenda Johnson is an Indianapolis storyteller, writing workshop facilitator and public speaker. Her work focuses on aging, family stories, and the power of personal storytelling. Through her Older, Bolder & Better! blog on Substack, storytelling performances, and Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) workshops, she creates welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds are encouraged to reflect, connect, and share their experiences. Brenda was selected as the 2025 Frank Basile Emerging Storyteller, sponsored by Storytelling Arts of Indiana. She also presents community-focused programs for older adults.

To get ready, here are some book lists about writing!

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Class/Workshop |

TAGS: | Writing Workshops for Adults | Writing Skills | Writing | Adults | #Adult |

Glendale Branch

Phone: 317-275-4410

Hours
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Mon, Sep 28 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Sep 29 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Sep 30 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Oct 01 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Oct 02 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Oct 03 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Oct 04 1:00PM to 5:00PM

About the branch

The Broad Ripple community has enjoyed library service at various sites since 1930. The first stand-alone library opened in 1949 adjacent to School No. 80 and continued at that location until a larger branch opened in Broad Ripple Park in 1986. Facing a need for continued growth, the Glendale Branch was constructed in 2000 in Glendale Mall and became the country’s first full-service library located in a major shopping mall. 

In 2024, a new 24,800 square-foot Branch located at the site of the former John Strange Elementary School opened. The move into this new space began the next chapter of service to the vibrant Glendale community.

Upcoming events

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Tue, Sep 29, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Tue, Sep 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This event is full

Tue, Sep 29, 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Wed, Sep 30, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Sep 30, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Thu, Oct 01, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Sat, Oct 03, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Tue, Oct 06, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Tue, Oct 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This event is full

Wed, Oct 07, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Oct 07, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Thu, Oct 08, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Fri, Oct 09, 10:30am - 11:15am

Tue, Oct 13, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Tue, Oct 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This event is full

Tue, Oct 13, 6:00pm - 7:45pm

Wed, Oct 14, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Oct 14, 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Registration opens Wednesday, September 30 2026 at 12:15pm

Thu, Oct 15, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Fri, Oct 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Registration opens Friday, October 2 2026 at 1:00pm

Sat, Oct 17, 10:30am - 11:30am

Mon, Oct 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Registration opens Monday, October 5 2026 at 10:30am

Mon, Oct 19, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
This event is full

Tue, Oct 20, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Tue, Oct 20, 6:00pm - 7:45pm

Wed, Oct 21, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Oct 21, 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Thu, Oct 22, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Thu, Oct 22, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Sat, Oct 24, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Sat, Oct 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Tue, Oct 27, 10:30am - 12:00pm

Tue, Oct 27, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wed, Oct 28, 10:30am - 11:30am

Wed, Oct 28, 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Registration opens Wednesday, October 14 2026 at 12:15pm

Wed, Oct 28, 4:00pm - 4:45pm

Wed, Oct 28, 4:45pm - 5:30pm
This event is full