Civic Reads at Fletcher Free Library

The Friends of the Fletcher Free Library invites the community to join in Civic Reads.

Civic Reads invites the community into meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our shared future. Each event is centered on a timely book and explores what it takes to sustain a healthy democracy and effective government.

Upcoming Events:

Tom Sullivan - "The U.S. Presidency: Power, Responsibility, and Accountability"

Wednesday, February 18, 5:30 PM at the Fletcher Free Library

What does it truly mean to hold "the most powerful office in the world"?

Join us at the Fletcher Free Library for an insightful evening with author and scholar Tom Sullivan, as he discusses his compelling new book, The U.S. Presidency: Power, Responsibility, and Accountability.

In an era of constant political headlines, Sullivan offers a deep dive into the historical foundations and modern evolution of the Executive Branch.

Whether you’re a history buff, a political science student, or simply a curious citizen, this is a unique opportunity to engage in a non-partisan conversation about the structure of our government and the future of leadership in America.

A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Free and open to the public

A Healthy Union

Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 PM at the Fletcher Free Library

The Civic Reads series returns with a discussion of how states can be leaders in creating healthier environments for their residents with the author of A Healthy Union: How States Can Lead in Environmental Health by Susan Kaplan, J.D. In conversation with Christine Vatovec, Ph. D. Pick up a free copy of the book starting February 2 at the Main Library.

Register & More Info Here!

Past Events:

Actualizing Abundance: Embracing Opportunity Within Our Challenges

(In partnership with Champlain College)

Thursday, October 16, 5:30 PM at the Fletcher Free Library

In a moment where much of our world feels full of uncertainty and chaos, we have the chance to uncover unique and powerful opportunities. Join us for an exploratory panel conversation on how in these challenging times we can begin to meaningfully move towards the tomorrow we want to live in today. We'll talk with three individuals who are seizing the opportunities in this moment to unlock innovation within traditionally rigid industries: education, energy, and food systems.

Panelists: Chad Farrell, Founder and co-CEO at Encore Renewable Energy; Dr. Rachael Floreani, Associate Professor of Engineering, Materials Science and Manufacturing at the University of Vermont, Founder and CEO of Burlington Bio; Alex Hernandez, President Champlain College.

Moderator: Marguerite Dibble, Founder, GameTheory

Register here!

This event offers an opportunity to engage ahead of co-author Derek Thompson’s keynote at the Vermont Business Roundtable Breakfast (learn more at https://vtroundtable.org/)

Autocracy, Inc. Book Group Discussion

(In partnership with UVM Political Science Department)

Tuesday, November 4, 5:30 PM at Fletcher Free Library

Grounded in Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World by Anne Applebaum, this discussion—facilitated by UVM professors Ellen Andersen, Peter VonDoepp and Alex Zakaras—unpacks how authoritarian leaders are reshaping global politics and what it means for democracy at home.

Register here!

These Civic Reads events center on the key challenge of our time: how do we ensure democracy not only survives, but works for all of us—resisting corruption while delivering the progress communities need?

Copies of both books are available now at Fletcher Free Library in print, e-book, and audiobook formats. Join us to read, reflect, and imagine Burlington’s future together.