Seems that now more than ever Americans are keeping a keen eye on the state of our democracy. Certainly our Current Events section has been visited much more since the 2016 election and we have all sensed a growing concern over the direction of our United States. Are the events over the last two years reflective of the normal ebb and flow for a democracy - reflective of growth spurts and pains? What are historians and policy experts saying about the impact our current administration has had on our national ideals and institutions: do the struggles our democracy is facing mean it’s working?
An informed citizenry is the strongest citizenry so our nonfiction book club will focus this fall on the state of our modern democracy. As we head into midterm elections, our facilitator Jen Houghton will lead measured discussions of what we know, what we think we know, and what we can learn about our country, our Constitution, and the world.
All perspectives are welcome, civility required.
Free! Call the store to say you can come, (630) 765-7455!
Monday, October 15, 6:30 p.m.
Impeachment: A Citizen’s Guide by Cass R. Sunstein
With a lot of talk about impeachment, do you as a citizen, know how it really works? This slender paperback will eliminate misconceptions, explain the framers’ decision to include impeachment in the Constitution, and clear the fog surrounding impeachment as a process. The book explains in direct and approachable terms the past and future implications of impeachment. Join us as we educate ourselves on this much-discussed topic.
Wednesday, November 14, 6:30 p.m.
The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine F. Weiss
After 70 years of fighting, the final battle to ratify the 19th Amendment comes down to the state of Tennessee. This account reads like fiction and brings to life the characters on all sides from the politicians, to the suffragettes, to the antis, to the observers, and citizens watching all across the country and world as women fought a almost-lost battle to secure their right to vote. Let's discuss an example of civic action in all the struggle, drama, and glory this tale can provide. A very real and powerful demonstration of how the fight for civil rights can be won or lost.