City Council – Community Book Reading
City of Poulsbo and Partners to Host Community Book Reading and Discussion
The City of Poulsbo and partners are sponsoring a Community Book Reading, culminating in a discussion and celebration event set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 21 at City Hall. The book selected for the community reading is “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” by Isabel Wilkerson. The book is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a New York Times Bestseller. Wilkerson is also the author of the award-winning novel, “The Warmth of Other Suns.”
“Caste” provides a highly researched narrative and stories about real people, showing how America today, and throughout history, has been shaped by a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Beyond race and class, a powerful caste system exists that influences people’s lives, as well as the nation’s fate. The book uses riveting stories about people, including Martin Luther King Jr., baseball’s Satchel Paige — a single father and his toddler son — as well as Wilkerson herself. She highlights ways America can move beyond destructive human divisions, and toward hope and a brighter future for all.
Community members are encouraged to buy and begin reading the book now, in preparation for the discussion and celebration event on Oct. 21. In addition to English, “Caste” is available in Spanish, Young Adult and audio versions, wherever books are sold. The City and its partners are providing a limited number of free books for those who cannot afford one in their budget. The free books, including English, Young Adult and Spanish versions, are available on the third floor of City Hall. Books will also be available on loan from the Kitsap Regional Library – Poulsbo Branch.
“We’re organizing one big Poulsbo book club to read a popular and respected book, and then gather the community together to discuss it and learn from one another,” said City Council Member Gary McVey. “We want it to be educational and uplifting for our entire community.”
The October 21 discussion and celebration event is free and open to the public. A Spanish translator will be available. Lucretia Robertson of Clarity Partnerships will serve as the discussion leader and facilitator. Along with the Poulsbo City Council, the book reading is being sponsored by the Poulsbo Branch of the Kitsap Regional Library, the Poulsbo Friends of the Library, Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, and Viking Fest Corporation.
A committee of city leaders and community members has been busy planning the event, including Mayor Becky Erickson, Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Ozimek, Poulsbo Library Manager Pam Crowe, Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce Director Kathi Foresee, Community Engagement Specialist in Kitsap Public Health District’s Equity Program Maria Fergus, community member Pam Keeley, and Lisa Jackson and Catherine Edwards of the Suquamish Tribe. McVey and Council Member Britt Livdahl are co-chairing the committee.
For more information about the Poulsbo Community Book Reading, please email or call the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerks@cityofpoulsbo.com, (360) 394-9880.
Press Release: 2023-05 Community Book Reading Event
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