"Let's Have a Conversation"

The Coatesville Public Library is pleased to announce a new book club titled "Let's Have a Conversation".  The focus of this book club is to have meaningful discussions on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our first title is The 1619 Project created by Nikole Hannah-Jones, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a journalist with the New York Times.  Our leader and facilitator of this group will be Maria Rustin.

This group is going to meet in person on the main level of the Coatesville Public Library on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning on April 6, 2022.  We are also going to offer an opportunity to join by Zoom for anyone that prefers this option.  After registering for this event, you will receive an email from Jennifer McLuckie, the Adult Services Librarian at Coatesville, asking if you prefer the in person or virtual option.  Please note - each member is responsible to get their own copy of the book.

The goal of this book club is to have conversations so we can have a greater understanding of the history of our country, how it impacts the lives of humans today, and to help build bridges, compassion, and most of all empathy.  Every viewpoint is important. 

"Let's Have a Conversation" is going to have a unique structure because we want to give time and space to fully engage with the text.  We do not think it is possible to truly explore all the aspects of this title in one session and have decided to make this book club a series of meetings. By reading smaller sections of the book at a time, we can devote time to examine and discuss the material. Please see the schedule below:

• Wednesday, April 6, 2022 – Self-introductions, review guidelines, discuss expectations from the book, and answer any questions.

• Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – Preface – Ch. 3

• Wednesday, April 20, 2022 – Chapters 4-7

• Wednesday, April 27, 2022 – Chapters 8-11

• Wednesday, May 4, 2022 – Chapters 12-15

• Wednesday, May 11, 2022 – Chapters 16-18

If you have questions, please  contact Jennifer McLuckie at the Coatesville Public Library - 610-384-4115.