Election season often feels like a time of division and heated debates, but it can also be an opportunity to bridge the divide and find common ground. No matter your political stance, this blog is here to help navigate the complexities of this election season. Below you will find reading lists and Library events centered around fostering understanding and unity even when we disagree. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's start bridging those gaps one conversation at a time.
Bridging the Divide Event Series
The event series below was created to help the community work through complex issues during the upcoming election.
Dialogue Lab: America - A Film Screening & Dynamic Discussion
Tuesday, July 30, 7-8:30 PM • Community Room West
Is constructive dialogue possible in today's polarized culture? Watch as 12 individuals with unique viewpoints come together to engage in meaningful conversation about their differing political views. Facilitated discussion at key moments led by Laura Piemonte, professional facilitator, trainer, and speaker. In partnership with the League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe.
Change the Conversation: Shaping Tomorrow by Bridging Divides
Wednesday, August 14, 7-8:30 PM • Community Room West
In this interactive discussion, learn proven practices to foster better conversations, explore common ground, and de-escalate tensions. Uncover the power of your conversations in a politically divided world. Presented by Laura Piemonte and Pam Hay, co-founders of Beyond the Gridlock, which provides strategies and resources that reduce polarization and equip you to navigate these highly divided times. In partnership with the League of Women Voters of Glenview-Glencoe.
Does Your Vote Count? A Braver Angels Led Community Debate
Tuesday, September 24, 7-8:30 PM • Community Room
In a nation where recent presidential victories have defied the popular vote; the Electoral College stands as both a cornerstone and a controversy. Should this centuries-old institution be relegated to the annals of history? Share your views, ask questions, or observe in this debate on: "Resolved: The Electoral College should be abolished." In partnership with Braver Angels.
Other Related Library Events
Family Peace Day (all ages)
Sunday, September 15, 2-3 PM • Community Room
Join us for family-friendly activities surrounding peace in our world and the chance to participate in our community art project. Drop in.
Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken in and What We Can Do About It
Thursday, September 19, 7-8 PM • Zoom
Join us for a talk with Professor Dan Simons, co-author of Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It. We're all susceptible to mis/disinformation, often unwittingly aiding their spread. While halting falsehoods entirely is impossible, we can discover how deception works, learn to recognize the signs, and empower ourselves to become Nobody's Fool.
Brought to you in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Illinois Mis/Disinformation Task Force, the Northbrook Public Library, and 70+ additional libraries.
Waking in Oak Creek: Screening and Discussion
Tuesday, October 15, 7-8:30 PM • Community Room East
As the Sikh community in Oak Creek, Wisconsin prepares for Sunday prayers, a deadly hate attack shatters their lives, but not their resilience. After the screening, Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton leads a panel discussion about how we can work together to stand against hate. In partnership with Cook County United Against Hate.
Reading Lists
Learning to listen with empathy and speak with awareness can help us find common ground. The books below feature friends and colleagues on opposite sides of the isle from one another. You will also learn how to stop unconsciously perpetuating biases and discover how to manage your emotions when engaging in active listening. Then, find books on how to have important discussions.
Today we live in an era that can feel more divided than ever. We need compassion and civility. In the books below, learn how to ask questions and be curious about others. Curiosity partnered with an open mind and listening skills can lead to greater understanding and less conflict.
America has a long history of suffrage movements, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. Discover the politics of the right to vote and the history of who could vote and how with the books and videos in this list. You just might be both re-acquainted with the history you learned in school and learn more details you did not know before.
Turns out, electoral controversy isn't anything new. Get to know the electoral college; what it is, how it works; and why some people engage in debates about it. Then, delve into elections past to discover pivotal but forgotten moments in electoral history. In the process you'll learn more about Americas past political figures, arguments, and methods.
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