Over 25 attendees tuned in for a dynamic Zoom session, warmly opened by the smiling and appreciative author, Sue Carey. Rachel Tonucci (she/her), the Adult/Teen Services Librarian and Co-Chair of Bloomfield Public Library’s Social Justice Roundtable, extended a warm welcome to all participants. The event, titled How to Build Community: An Author Talk with Susan Carey, featured Sue’s powerful new book, More Than Merely Eyes Can See—a heartfelt collection of stories rooted in the shared experiences of Hartford’s community.
This was Sue’s first-ever virtual talk, which allowed her to connect with friends and supporters from across the country (e.g., Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Tennessee). She reflected on her journey of self-education in social justice, sparked by the events following George Floyd’s death, and how a friend’s introduction to Bloomfield’s Social Justice Roundtable deeply influenced her work.
The discussion was rich with personal anecdotes and reflections. Sue shared how a single question—“Have you lived in Hartford or commuted there for work, sports, or museums?”—opens up a world of universal experiences. By reading the book’s Introduction aloud, she set the stage, inviting participants to engage through the chat and ask questions. She shared a photo of her church, Grace Lutheran.
The conversation delved into the inspiration behind the book’s unique title. While interviewing photographer Bernie Michel, Sue discovered that as Bernie captured more portraits, he began focusing less on external attributes and more on the human essence—"what’s more than merely eyes can see." This realization became the book's title, reflecting its deeper message.
The stories behind the book are as impactful as the book itself. Sue recounted how a frantic diner searching for her brother sparked the idea to pair stories with the photos that lined the walls of the community dining hall. Initially met with hesitation and doubt, Sue’s persistence and respect for people’s stories earned their trust. Her approach? Three simple yet profound questions: “How did you get to Hartford? Share a childhood memory. Do you have a message for the community?” With this, she shaped stories that preserved their authenticity while honoring each person’s voice.
The discussion also highlighted the challenges of community-building. Sue emphasized that genuine belonging goes beyond mere inclusion—it’s about sharing power. “Who’s making the decisions? Who controls the resources?” These are critical questions for anyone looking to foster true community. She stressed that trust is fragile and must be built through authentic relationships, especially when working toward social justice.
A powerful moment came when Sue reflected on the difficulty of hearing some of the more heartbreaking stories, like one man’s tragic memory of losing his baby brother. Her tears and willingness to sit with people in their grief made her realize how deeply some people’s pain remains unacknowledged.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A. Guests praised the book’s storytelling and historical context, with one participant noting its similarity to Humans of New York in capturing raw, human narratives. Rachel mentioned that More Than Merely Eyes Can See will be featured in the library’s Social Justice Book Club in January 2025, with proceeds benefiting local Boys & Girls Clubs.
Sue closed by sharing the difference between charity and justice, noting that while charity addresses immediate needs, it’s justice that truly changes lives. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, and how understanding each other’s lived experiences can bring communities closer together.
Stay connected with Bloomfield Public Library and join the conversation: @bplct. If you missed it, watch here