Berlin Library Program To Tackle Nation's Political Divide

BERLIN, CT — Do you have a relative who named his dog "MAGA," drives a large, oversized pickup and believes having a show on Fox News is a prerequisite for the presidency?

Or are you besieged by relatives who don't believe in pronouns, identify as inanimate objects and wear masks while driving alone in their car?

Congratulations. You're part of the political divide in the country that a Berlin-Peck Memorial Library program is hoping to bridge.

On Thursday March 2, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the library — located at 234 Kensington Road, Berlin — is hosting a program called "Courageous Conversations: Tips and Tricks."

The event, which was postponed from an original February date, aims to help folks engage in conversations with people whose beliefs may be different from their own and do so without anyone getting hurt (physically or emotionally).

"Library staff will facilitate the conversations and ensure that all participants have the opportunity to share in the discussion," wrote the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library on its website. "The event is in person and attendance space is limited; please remember to register."

According to the library, "Courageous Conversations' is a regular program featuring small-group discussions on local, cultural, social and political issues.

But it aims to have these talks in "a safe environment where differing opinions, patient listening, and respectful discussion are welcomed as a necessary part of building connection with others and identifying shared values."

For more information and to register, click on this link.

(Editor's Note: The time of Thursday's program is 6:30 p.m., according to the library's website)