Free
1:00-2:00 PM
The Gunn Memorial Library is proud to present Wisdom Keepers, a new PBS Books film series that celebrates knowledge, storytelling, and resilience across communities in America. As part of a national effort, the Library invites viewers to reflect, listen, and engage in meaningful dialogue about belonging, hope, and the pursuit of wisdom. Wisdom Keepers explores the traditions, teachings, and lived experiences of diverse communities, highlighting the voices and stories that continue to shape our shared future. Through intimate storytelling and thoughtful reflection, the series honors the wisdom passed down through generations and emphasizes its relevance in today’s divided world.

By hosting this PBS program, the Gunn Memorial Library joins libraries and cultural institutions nationwide in fostering community conversations that encourage understanding, empathy, and connection.

PBS Film Wisdom Keepers is a free PBS Books film series presented by the Gunn Memorial Library that celebrates knowledge, storytelling, and resilience across communities in America. Each screening runs 1:00–2:00 PM and is followed by a discussion facilitated by Gunn librarian Karen Pasternak. Host: Ray Suarez. Registration Required.

5/1/26 — Episode 1: Healing a Divided People Ray Suarez speaks with leaders in faith and ethics about the search for togetherness in times of crisis, including Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas, Rev. A.R. Bernard, Rabbi Rachel Timoner, and Ethicist Kwame Anthony Appiah. The second half features an interview with Catholic writer on spirituality Fr. Richard Rohr.

5/8/26 — Episode 2: Scientist Francis Collins – The Inextricable Links Between Science & Faith Host Ray Suarez speaks with scientist and physician Francis Collins about the intersection of science, belief, and faith, and the principles that guided his work at the National Institutes of Health and beyond.

5/15/26 — Episode 3: Writer Kevin Kelly – How We Shape and Understand Technology Ray Suarez speaks with writer Kevin Kelly about our relationship with technology and its transformative role in our lives. Kelly explores “The Technium” — the vast, interdependent technological ecosystem — from a pan-historical perspective.

5/22/26 — Episode 4: Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas – The Search for Meaning Host Ray Suarez speaks with Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas, Episcopal Priest and Public Theologian, about the search for meaning and the duty of faith and religious leaders to create a vision for a better and more just world.

5/29/26 — Episode 5: Philosopher Simon Critchley – We All Seek Transcendence Host Ray Suarez speaks with Philosopher Simon Critchley about mysticism and belief in the modern era, and the importance of cultivating practices of attention and reflection amid the relentless pressures of modern life.

6/5/26 — Episode 6: Rev. A.R. Bernard – The Power of Faith in the Modern World Host Ray Suarez speaks with the founder of the Christian Cultural Center, Rev. A.R. Bernard, about the power of faith in our lives and our roles in society, and his personal journey from banking to pastoral ministry.

6/12/26 — Episode 8: Author David Brooks – Repairing America’s Broken Social Bonds Host Ray Suarez speaks with author David Brooks about spiritual and social upheaval in American culture, the importance of community for cultural renaissance, and the need to rebuild a sense of shared purpose.

6/26/26 — Episode 9: Philosopher and Cognitive Scientist John Vervaeke, PH.D. – Rediscovering Meaning and Wisdom Cognitive scientist and philosopher John Vervaeke speaks with host Ray Suarez about humanity’s search for meaning in an age of distraction and disconnection, drawing from psychology, philosophy, and spiritual traditions.