Date & Time: Monday, November 6 @ 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Description: With this event, children will learn the basics of persuasive arguments and have a forum to discuss current events and topics such as social justice, racism, and community activism. Children will be given a topic and divided into groups - pro and con - and with the help of our library staff, they will brainstorm ideas and begin to build their arguments. The event will culminate in a debate between both sides and parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

Staffing: 1 Youth Services Librarian and 1 library assistant.

Budget: n/a

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 15 @ 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Description: Have you ever been curious about what a congresswoman does all day? Or what you can do to support the democratic process as a middle schooler? IPL is proud to announce that our local representative Barbara Lee will be joining us to discuss her path to government, the most pressing issues she sees in our community, and how you and the library can work to make our community even greater. There will be a Q&A after the presentation, so come prepared with any questions you would like to ask. Space is limited in our events room, so this will be a ticketed event.

Virtual Option: If you are unable to attend in-person, the event will be live streamed on Zoom. Pre-registration is required, although there are no limits on the number of virtual attendants.

Staffing: 1 youth services librarian to moderate the conversation, 1 library staff member to assist with audience Q&A, and 1 library staff member to manage the Zoom link and Zoom chat.

Budget: n/a, Congresswoman Lee has graciously donated her time to our library.

Instead of a guessing jar, this month we will participate in civic engagement. Come join us at the library and vote for your favorite: cat or dog! At the end of the month, the result will be posted in the library and online.

If you are unable to visit the library to vote in person, your vote can be submitted using our voting form found here.

Good luck!