Book discussions begin in November

By Angie Landsverk

Building connections is the subject of the 2019 Waupaca Community Read.

“Deepening Community: Finding Joy Together in Chaotic Times” by Paul Born was chosen for discussion.

The Waupaca Area Public Library and Theda Care are partners for the project.

ThedaCare provided funding for 100 copies of Born’s book.

Copies are available at the library.

The library is circulating some of them.

People may also pick up a free copy of the book at the library, as well as in Little Free Libraries throughout the community.

After reading it, they are encouraged to share the 138-page book with others or return to the library’s display.

“Building connections is a huge topic,” said Sue Heideman.

She is a member of Waupaca’s Community Health Action Team (CHAT).

ThedaCare’s CHAT brings together community members who study local health issues and talk about solutions.

The team decided to study social connectedness this year.

Last spring, people spent part of a day learning about how isolation and loneliness affect mental health.

Patsy Servey, the library’s adult services librarian, was among those who attended the program.

She went to help the library better understand its role in the community and how it can help build connections.

A Social Connectedness Planning Team was the direct result of that day.

The committee thought a community read was the perfect way to start the conversation, Heideman said.

A number of books were reviewed.

She said Born’s book “addresses how to improve loneliness in a community.”

The objectives of the community read are “understanding the value of community and having a relationship with neighbors,” Heideman said.

The planning team wants people to become part of the conversation.

Six book discussions

• Noon Monday, Nov. 11, in the UW-Extension office at the Waupaca County Courthouse, 811 Harding St.

• 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Waupaca Middle School Library, 1949 Shoemake Road.

• 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Waupaca Senior Center, 407 School St.

• 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Foundations For Living, 1421 Churchill St.

• 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Bethany Home’s Springs Wellness Center, 1226 Berlin St.

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at Waupaca’s public library, 107 S. Main St.

They want people to attend a discussion even if they have not yet read the book.

There is a survey in each book.

Those who do not attend a community discussion are asked to return their survey to the library by Dec. 10.

The surveys will help the planning team determine its next steps.