Gen Z's Mental Health Topic Of Berlin Library Initiative

Berlin-Peck Memorial Library

BERLIN, CT — A new literary program at the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library aims to do more than just get folks to read, it aims to unite and inform the community in the process.

The program is called "One Book One Berlin" and it officially started on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

It is a collaboration among the Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, Berlin Public Schools, and Berlin Police Department as well as residents.

"Our purpose is to bring the community together to promote reading, discuss ideas, and break down barriers between people," wrote the library in an announcement.

The featured book for this year’s "One Book One Berlin" is "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt.

The book explores the rise of anxiety and mental health struggles among young people in the modern world.

"Haidt, a renowned social psychologist, delves into the societal and technological shifts that have contributed to this trend, offering insights and solutions for fostering resilience," wrote the library.

Through this book, the library aims to spark meaningful conversations about the challenges facing today’s youth and encourage the community to come together in support of mental health and well-being.

The inaugural "One Book One Berlin" program will run from October 2024 to April 2025 and feature several discussions and events weekly within the community, as well as related events/programs throughout the months.

Some of the events are for staff of Berlin Public Schools, other events are for the full community.

School discussions start Wednesday, Oct. 2, with the first public program on Monday, Oct. 21, called "Forever Elsewhere: The Great Rewiring of Gen Z" happening at 6:30 p.m. at the library, which is located at 234 Kensington Road, Berlin.

For more information, along with the complete "One Book, One Berlin" slate of events, click on this link.

For more information and to purchase 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt, click on this link.