The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., has resumed its Community Book Club program, hosted by Phoebe Wagner, Lycoming College English Professor, writer, and editor of three Solarpunk anthologies.

One of the many book club programs the Library offers, the Community Book Club focuses specifically on finding common ground, uniting Lycoming County residents, and preserving joy and hope through community engagement and advocacy.

When the book club met on Saturday, March 14, attendees discussed the need for affordable public social spaces that provide community members a way to stay connected while the world turns increasingly to technology, and with it, isolation. These public social spaces were termed “Third Places” by sociologist Ray Oldenburg because they are a third social setting beyond the home and the workplace that people can spend their time in. The need for them is growing exponentially, and the Library remains one of these vital spaces.

The Community Book Club will meet two more times through the Spring, on April 11 and May 2. If you are interested in reconnecting with your community through this book club or another free program offered by the Library, visit the Library’s program calendar today: calendar.jvbrown.edu.

The James V. Brown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations.