Where are you watching the presidential debates? That was a question that the staff of the Alameda County Library began discussing several months ago. The library believes in the freedom of information and building connections in the community. What better place to meet your neighbors and discuss the debate than your library?
Every four years we get into discussions and the media will hype the election as the "most important election in 20 years." Do you think that we are at that point, or are we on the right track? I decided to plce a reserve on a children's book called "Vote for Me!" by Ben Clanton. It's a new picture book about a donkey and an elephant who are trying to do anything to get votes. I've also checked out the book "On Liberty" by John Stuart Mill to get another perspective on representative government. You can check our catalog at www.aclibrary.org to find titles or check out our guide to the elections here http://guides.aclibrary.org/content.php?pid=323737
The Newark Library will be showing the Town Hall debate on Tuesday the 16th and we will have a facilitated discussion afterwards by the League of Women Voters of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. The first debate was shown at Union City Library, the second will be at Newark, and the third will be at the Fremont Main Library. A big thank you goes out to the students at Ohlone College who helped make the first debate very successful and organized.
The Commission on Presidential Debates provides information on the debates as well as guidelines and tips for organizations, students, and the media to facilitate discussion. Learn more at http://www.debates.org/
Hope to see you on the 16th!
Brian
The program times are:
5:15-5:45 Snacks & refreshments; grab a seat
5:45-7:30 Live televised debate
7:30-8:30 Facilitated comments
Locations are:
Vice Presidential Debate: Thursday, October 11th @ Castro Valley Library
Second Presidential Debate: Tuesday, October 16th @ Newark Library, Albany Library, Castro Valley Library
Third Presidential Debate: Monday, October 22nd @ Fremont Main Library, Dublin Library, San Lorenzo Library, Castro Valey Library
