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One Book One Community 2022

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Eric Klinenberg
Eric Klinenberg will visit Williamsburg on Feb. 24 to present an afternoon campus talk and a public evening talk.

Williamsburg Regional Library and William & Mary are once again partnering to bring you One Book One Community, an initiative that encourages our community to come together and have a shared reading experience. The places where we meet – schools, libraries, playgrounds – create social bonds that strengthen communities. How can we create and support spaces that help us create a better society? Author Eric Klinenberg presents Palaces for the People, the 2022 One Book One Community selection.

Throughout February, we’ll be hosting a variety of programs that complement this book, culminating with a visit from Eric Klinenberg on February 24.

Signature Events

W&M Campus Talk with Eric Klinenberg

February 24, 2 p.m. - Sadler Center, Tidewater A, William & Mary

In this campus talk, Eric Klinenberg will speak about his extensive research into the role of social infrastructure in helping solve societal challenges.

Author Visit: Eric Klinenberg

February 24, 6:30 p.m. - Williamsburg Library

The places where we meet – schools, libraries, playgrounds – create social bonds that strengthen communities. How can we create and support spaces that help us create a better society? Author Eric Klinenberg presents Palaces for the People, the 2022 One Book One Community selection.

Additional Programs:

"Civil Participation in a Democratic Society" Panel Discussion

February 2, 6:30 p.m. - Williamsburg Library

Popular WHRO radio host Barbara Hamm Lee (Another View) moderates a panel of special guests to discuss ways people with opposing views can maintain civil dialogue while fully participating in a democratic society. Featuring Carrie Cooper, dean of university libraries for W&M Betsy Fowler, director of Williamsburg Regional Library; Christy Coleman, director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation; and Cliff Fleet, director of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Quiet Reading Party

February 7,  2 p.m. - Stryker Center

Join other readers for time to quietly read Chapter 1 of Palaces for the People, followed by an optional discussion of the chapter. William & Mary will host their own party and discussion of Chapter 2. 

Sports and Community

February 7, 6:30 p.m. – Williamsburg Library

How can sports build a community identity and relationships? Legendary William & Mary Coach Jimmye Laycock will talk about his experience seeing people build connections through team sports. 

Bowling Tournament

February 9, 5:30 p.m. – Stryker Center

Come join us in a rousing bowling tournament using our Nintendo Switches! Call 757.741.3300, option 2 to reserve your spot. For ages 13 through adult. 

Rags to Riches

February 12, 10:30 a.m. – Williamsburg Library

Watch a documentary following the life of Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist whose idea for publicly funded libraries created the idea of “palaces for the people.” A discussion will follow the showing.

Quiet Reading Party

February 15, 3 p.m. – Swem Library, Ford Classroom

Join other readers for time to quietly read Chapter 2 of Palaces for the People, followed by an optional discussion of the chapter. Coffee, hot cocoa, and cookies provided by W&M Libraries. 

Palaces for the People book cover

Turning Pages Book Group

February 15, 6:45 p.m. – Williamsburg Library & Online

This month we will discuss Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. The places where we meet – schools, libraries, playgrounds – create social bonds that strengthen communities. How can we create and support spaces that help us create a better society?

Fake or Fact? Spotting Fake News

February 17, 2 p.m. – Stryker Center

Examine how fake news is spread and learn techniques to become more thoughtful consumers of media in this talk presented by Candice Benjes-Small, Head of Research for William & Mary Libraries.

Designing for Public Spaces

February 17, 6:30 p.m. – Stryker Center

What goes into making public spaces places to gather and create social ties? Designer Shannon Wray will talk about the philosophy and psychology behind creating libraries and schools that encourage community building. Shannon works with Quinn Evans, a Richmond firm which created the new Henrico County libraries and is developing Swem Library’s new digital technology space. 

Public Book Discussion

February 19, 2 p.m. – James City County Library & Online

Join other members of the Williamsburg area community to share ideas about Palaces for the People, the meaning of community, and ways we can achieve that goal. 

Community Gardening (talk)

February 22, 10 a.m. – James City County Library

Meet the Williamsburg Community Growers! Learn about their ten-acre experimental teaching farm and community garden, and all they do to strengthen the greater Williamsburg area through donations of fresh produce, educational programs, and protection of our natural resources.

Aging and Community

February 22, 2 p.m. – Stryker Center

Diane Hartley, with the Peninsula Agency on Aging, shares programs and services available to older adults as part of the social infrastructure in our community and how you can get involved.

Novel Ideas Book Group

February 23, 2 p.m. – James City County Library & Online

This month we will discuss Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg. The places where we meet – schools, libraries, playgrounds – create social bonds that strengthen communities. How can we create and support spaces that help us create a better society?

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