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Infinite Vision Book-to-Action: Book Discussion @ Hayward Main Library - March 14, 2012 - 894 by Hayward Public Library

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Pictured above: Hayward residents Prakash and Shruti Hegde. Shruti shows "Smile" cards and discusses the philosophy of gifting. Find out more about the pay-it-forward philosophy of kindness at: www.helpothers.org/cards.php

The Hayward Public Library’s “Book-to-Action” series features the extraordinary and inspirational story of Infinite Vision: How Aravind Became the World’s Greatest Business Case for Compassion by Pavithra K. Mehta and Suchitra Shenoy. Based in India, the Aravind Eye System is the world’s largest provider of high-quality eye care, with surgical outcomes equal to or exceeding those in the developed world at less than one percent of the cost, treating more than half of its patients free of charge, and taking no grants or donations. Aravind’s model is so successful that it has been the subject of a popular Harvard Business School case study, has garnered multiple prestigious awards, and has been replicated internationally.

The Book-to-Action program is a variation on the traditional library book group – it offers participants not only the opportunity to collectively read and discuss a book and meet a book author, but to put their newfound knowledge or perspective into action by engaging in a community service project related to the book’s topic. Thanks to a grant from the California State Library, the library is offering a limited number of free copies of the book, available to community members interested in participating in this program. Read about Dr. “V”, the man who, in his late 50s, built the Aravind Eye Care System, and explore the distinctive philosophies, practices, and commitments that are the keys to its success.

Book Discussion: Wednesday, March 14

6:30 p.m. @ Hayward Main Library, 835 “C” Street in downtown Hayward

Join local residents to discuss the book, which tells the story of the Aravind eye care system. Share with other readers your favorite aspects of the book, and pose questions you’d like to discuss. Get ideas about how you can get involved in “pay-it-forward” projects in the Bay Area.

Meet Infinite Vision Author and Filmmaker Pavithra K. Mehta

Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m. @ Main Library

Pavithra K. Mehta comes from a family of 21 (and still counting) eye surgeons, including the legendary Dr. V, her granduncle. Pavithra is drawn to the space where service and story-telling meet. She started Aravind’s story archive in 2002, while freelancing on film and writing projects for nonprofits in India. Later she headed the volunteer program at Benetech, an innovative nonprofit in Silicon Valley, which runs the world’s largest digital library of accessible books for people who are blind. She is currently on the board of the Aravind Eye Foundation and Service Space ( www.servicespace.org/ ), an organization rooted in inner change that designs and runs experiments in generosity. She co-leads its inspiring news portal, DailyGood, as well as its pay-it-forward restaurant, Karma Kitchen, and is working on her next book. Pavithra studied English literature and broadcast journalism. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and travels back to Madurai each year.

“Infinite Vision” Film Showing

Monday, March 26 @ 6:30 pm @ Main Library

Enjoy the award-winning documentary Infinite Vision, which follows the life and work of Dr. V, the remarkable eye surgeon from South India who made it his mission to restore sight to the blind and whose work has resulted in one of the world’s most extraordinary models of service delivery. This film traces the inspiring life journey of a visionary dedicated to serving humanity, outlines the evolution of the Aravind model of eye care and affords glimpses into the spirituality that has guided both for over fifty years in service for sight.

Community Service Program: Encourage Literacy for World Book Day

Saturday, April 21, 9 am - 1 pm, Main Library, Front Lawn

Spread your love for a great book in our local community. Get involved with the World Book Day distribution of free books to new or returning readers. Bring a used copy of a book you have read and loved (including your free copy of Infinite Vision or any other favorite selection), to pass on to someone who isn't a regular reader.

For more information about the series, contact librarian Sally Thomas at 510-881-7700 or sally.thomas (at) hayward-ca.gov.

This series is supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Alesha Dixon by Lauren Tucker

All of the photographs on my gallery are protected by copyright and not to be used for ANYTHING without strict written permission from me, the photographer, Lauren Tucker.

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Alesha Dixon by Lauren Tucker

All of the photographs on my gallery are protected by copyright and not to be used for ANYTHING without strict written permission from me, the photographer, Lauren Tucker.

Website / Facebook / RedBubble / Blog

Thank-You

Alesha Dixon by Lauren Tucker

All of the photographs on my gallery are protected by copyright and not to be used for ANYTHING without strict written permission from me, the photographer, Lauren Tucker.

Website / Facebook / RedBubble / Blog

Thank-You

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