Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library will host a free reading and discussion series on Democracy and Disaster. The library is one of 51 public library jurisdictions within the state of California receiving grants to host California Reads, a statewide program developed by Cal Humanities in collaboration with California Center for the Book to examine the meaning and nature of democracy.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to participate in this unprecedented initiative by Cal Humanities that will allow library patrons a chance to discuss the meaning of democracy with their fellow community members and with Rebecca Solnit, the author of A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster,” said Cindy Costales, Senior Librarian. “California Reads is providing a unique opportunity and alternative – for our local residents to examine the evolving nature and needs of our democracy in a meaningful but accessible way.”

Community book discussions and other programs will be held May through August at the library culminating with keynote speaker, author Rebecca Solnit. The first events will focus on the first chapter of Solnit’s book on the 1906 San Francisco earthquake with the discussion question; Do people show their best or worst behavior during disaster? Community book discussions are scheduled May 22, June 26, and July 31 at 12 noon in the Friends Room. Evening book discussions are scheduled May 29, June 26 and July 31 at 7 pm in the Friends Room. Ten copies of the book are available for check out at the library.

Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library is located at 318 S. Ramona Avenue in Monterey Park. Library hours are Mondays and Tuesdays 12 noon – 9 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 am – 6 pm, Friday and Saturday Closed, and Sunday 1-5 pm.

For more information about the library’s California Reads program call the Reference Desk at (626) 307-1368