This September, the library is launching a community wide book read. In conjunction with the America 250 celebration and funded by a grant from the Carnegie Foundation, copies of Walter Isaacson's book The Greatest Sentence Ever Written will be available from each branch as well as in digital formats. As Isaacson has said, “We should use this birthday to remember our common values."
COMMUNITY-WIDE BOOK DISCUSSION
The Greatest Sentence Ever Written
Walter Isaacson
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
— The Declaration of Independence, 1776
A Community Conversation for America at 250
For 250 years, this single sentence has inspired, challenged, divided, and united Americans. It has served as both a statement of national aspiration and a measuring stick against which generations have judged the nation's progress.
After 250 years of tumult, fits and starts, can a single sentence help a nation once again find its center?
- Can we rediscover civil discourse in divided times?
- Can we reconnect with the founding ideals of this country while still recognizing the faults of its founders?
- Can revisiting the past bring people together and lead us to a more united future?
- Can a renewed commitment to the "common good" inspire our community to embrace more aspirational civic themes and conversations?
We Invite You to Try.
- Read or listen and then reflect quietly or invite others into conversation.
- Consider making it a family activity.
- Join us for a book discussion at one of our branch locations.
- Wednesday, September 9th @ Latonia - 2:00 pm
- Wednesday, September 16th @ Erlanger - 6:30 pm
- Tuesday, September 22nd @ Independence - 7:00 pm
Interested in reading more on America's founders and founding and the struggles ongoing, see a list of suggested titles at https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/list/display/1985252279/3093165647
You can explore Isaacson's deeper arguments about reclaiming these values on the National Constitution Center Podcast or read more about his civic goals for the book in the PBS NewsHour Classroom Lesson.
There are several YouTube recordings featuring interviews with the author. A few to consider watching include:
Presented in Conjunction with
The Carnegie Foundation and the Carnegie Libraries 250 initiative
Add a comment to: One Book, One Community, One Conversation