Thinking Deeply about ‘Service’ Book Discussion Group

In a unique collaboration, the New York Council for the Humanities has joined forces with the Western Sullivan Public Library (WSPL) and Heron’s Eye Communications to offer a scholarly book discussion group centered on the theme ‘serving’ that runs from February 25th until June 3rd.

“With its thematic focus, this reading and discussion program offers an unusual twist on the standard book group format by making time for thinking deeply about one idea, over time, from a variety of perspectives,” says Sara Ogger, executive director of the council.

At the WSPL Delaware Free Branch, in Callicoon, NY participants will come together over the course of four sessions, plus an introductory planning session, to discuss a variety of thematically linked texts centered on the theme of serving. Participants in the discussion group will explore such questions as “Why and how do we serve others? If we serve, what sustains and renews us?”

Book cover of The Civically Engaged Reader

The text for the discussion is The Civically Engaged Reader.

Readings to be discussed in “serving” include texts drawn from literature, philosophy and religion anthologized in The Civically Engaged Reader and selected by Krista Gromalski and Sandy Long of Heron’s Eye.

The series starts with an introductory planning session on Tuesday February 25th from 6:30-8:00PM. Then the discussion series will continue on the first Tuesday of the month from March through June at the Delaware Free Branch from 6:30-8:00PM. Light refreshments will be served.

The program is free and open to the public; pre-registration is required.  For more information about the series or acquiring the reading selections, please contact the Delaware Free Branch Library at 845-887-4040.

This program was made possible by a grant from the New York Humanities Council.