A smile is the only requirement

Libraries are often known as places filled with books, knowledge, and quiet spaces where stories come alive. But every once in a while, they remind us that their true magic goes far beyond the shelves.

Last week, I had the joy of attending Foundation Night at the Stacks, hosted by the Hamilton East Public Library Foundation, an after-hours fundraising event designed entirely for adults, bringing together entertainment, creativity, connection, and community support in one unforgettable evening. Although this was the second year of hosting the event, it marked the first year the Library Foundation independently organized the fundraiser on its own, and it beautifully showcased what community spaces are truly meant to do: bring people together.

The evening was full of energy. Familiar faces were everywhere – friends, city leaders, community partners, Noblesville Schools representatives, volunteers, and residents who came together to support an institution that quietly supports all of us year-round.

As someone who never misses an opportunity to support our library in both big and small ways, I found myself fully immersed in experiencing everything the evening had to offer. One activity that unexpectedly stayed with me was creating impromptu bookmarks decorated with colorful stickers and meaningful one-line messages.

Surprisingly, that simple craft became one of the most meaningful parts of the night.

As people sat nearby creating their own bookmarks, conversations naturally unfolded. I met so many incredible individuals sharing different phases of life they were navigating. What fascinated me most was watching people pause and carefully choose a single phrase that resonated deeply with them – words they felt described exactly what they needed in that season of life.

It reminded me how powerful small moments can be.

Sometimes, acknowledging someone doesn’t require solving their problems or offering perfect advice. Sometimes, it simply means giving someone a quiet moment where they feel seen, heard, and understood.

I may not know what someone is carrying. I may not be able to change what they are going through. But for that brief moment, while sharing something as simple as a bookmark, I could acknowledge them, cheer for them, and appreciate them for simply showing up.

Those bookmarks became more than paper and stickers.

They became quiet reminders that no matter what season of life we are in … we keep going anyway.

Another unforgettable part of the evening was visiting the caricature artist. As he sketched my portrait, I asked him how amazing it was that such a simple form of art creates opportunities for people to connect – and all he really asks from them is a smile.

His response stopped me.

“It sounds easy,” he said, “but smiling is not easy for so many people. People carry a lot, and sometimes a smile is the hardest thing they can offer.”

It was such an eye-opening reminder that not every day feels the same for everyone. What we often see as simple can sometimes require tremendous effort from someone going through difficult times.

Nearby, I met Kristen, the owner of Orangily, who was serving creative non-alcoholic beverages. She shared how her goal is helping people become great hosts – creating memorable experiences where family and friends gather, connect, and enjoy something everyone can share together.

I also discovered family board games like “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza,” which had me laughing and stumbling over the words more times than I’d like to admit.

Maybe that was the beauty of the entire evening.

Couples holding hands. Friends laughing out loud. Community members recognizing one another. People simply allowing themselves permission to have fun.

The feeling felt incredibly familiar.

It reminded me of growing up in India, where community was never something we scheduled on a calendar. Neighbors gathered without invitations, families lingered over conversations, children played while adults shared stories, and laughter often became the background music of everyday life. We didn’t always need a reason to come together – sometimes being present with one another was reason enough.

That evening reminded me that whether across miles or across cultures, the heart of every community remains the same.

Sometimes, all people are truly looking for is a place to belong … and perhaps, a reason to smile.

Pooja Thakkar is working to build cultural connections. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.