Inspired by a program in Kittery, Maine, the Town of Brewster has collaborated to create a new community read program entitled “Books & Big Ideas.” Similar to the familiar One Book, One Town program, Brewster’s Books & Big Ideas program aims to use books to encourage and enrich discussion about the many important topics and policies affecting our community.
Starting in April, community members of all ages are encouraged to read titles from a carefully curated selection of books that focus on housing. These stories intend to provide different perspectives on housing, including the importance of “home”, housing insecurity, seasonal housing, affordable housing, and more.
The following books, organized by intended audience, are available at the Brewster Ladies’ Library for community members interested in participating in this year’s program:
Adult titles
- Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It by M. Nolan Gray
- Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond
- The Big House: A Century in the Life of an American Home by George Howe Colt
Young Adult
Middle Grade
Picture Books
More information about these selections can be found here.
Books & Big Ideas will include a series of engaging events from April through June 2024 to facilitate the sharing of ideas. Patrons are invited to attend and participate in the following community activities at the Brewster Ladies’ Library:
- Books and Big Ideas Kick-off & Brewster Housing 101 Information Session – Thursday April 11 at 6PM
- Author Discussion with Arbitrary Line’s M. Nolan Gray – Thursday May 2 at 5:30PM via Zoom
- Tiny Art Workshops: “What is Home?”
- Evicted Discussion Group led by Brewster Housing Coordinator Jill Scalise & Library Assistant Director Devon Evans – Tuesday June 11 at 5:30PM
- Closing Reception & Discussion with The Big House’s George Howe Colt – Thursday June 27 at 5:30PM
