After each evocation, I invite you to respond with “we give thanks.”

For the books that stimulate our minds; open up our souls; 
make us laugh until we cry;
and offer company when we are hurting, scared, or lonely—
We give thanks.

For the books that remind us that someone else has faced this before us;
books that connect us to others who have found comfort in their pages;
and teach us empathy in a world of difference—
We give thanks.

For the books that lead us to new ways of being and new faces for friendship;
books that remind us of how the world used to be and how people throughout the ages have worked to make it better;
and books that teach us how the world may be yet remade with greater justice, love, and compassion—
We give thanks.

For the books that affirm the dignity and life of all,
and scare those in power as they show us how to resist–
We give thanks.

For all books, banned, welcomed, or never challenged, 
books that have offered wisdom and inspiration or fostered courage and transformation—
We give thanks,

and may we be forever nourished by their words.

Amen and Blessed Be.