NCW Libraries offers civics, discourse programs

MOSES LAKE – North Central Washington libraries will host a digital Fall Program series for adults in partnership with Oregon Humanities and the NCW Equity Alliance that centers on the core values of listening, learning and building community. 

“The idea is just to bring people together to have reflective conversations,” said Alicia O’Dell, Adult Services Manager at NCW Libraries. “To think and share together and just kind of reevaluate what we think and hear from different perspectives with the goal of learning from one another.” 

“Softening Sharp Teeth: Getting Curious About Conflict” is one of these programs in partnership with Oregon Humanities and will be held Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. O’Dell said this event will be all about evaluating personal relationships and taking a look at conflict differently, so it is not something that is feared, but rather something to learn from. 

Softening Sharp Teeth will be facilitated by Emily Squires, an artist, facilitator and consultant who has spent over two decades working with various organizations. 

The second program in the partnership is called “Can We Get Along? Examining Our Personal Experiences of Connection and Community.” This will be held November 13 at 6 p.m. and focuses on how people can connect with each other during these times. 

Can We Get Along is facilitated by Chisao Hata, a performing artist, educator and arts integration specialist. In this program, she will examine individual questions on race, cultural values and what brings us together and what separates us.  

November will also have a Civics 101 interactive workshop series facilitated by Michael Bowman with the Office of the Secretary of State’s Civic Engagement Program. This series will run 6-7:30 p.m. starting Nov. 10 and running every following Monday in the month. 

“It’s more of a learning opportunity or a refresher for us to remember how different levels of government work and how we can engage and participate more,” said O’Dell. 

She said that NCW Libraries has been hosting programs like this, both virtual and in person, for some time. There is a strong demand from people in the community for events that allow individuals to come together to talk and connect.  

“We’re in really divided times,” O’Dell said. “Often people find it difficult to know how to have conversations and designing experiences at the library for helping people connect is something that is a big desire amongst our community.” 

All of these events are free and open to the public. Those interested in attending can register at https://bit.ly/NCWDIGITAL.  

    NCW Libraries Adult Services Manager Alicia O’Dell said the fall program series will be held entirely online. Those interested in participating, but who don’t have access at home, can utilize the computers provided at the local library.