Sacramento Public Library discussion

Sacramento Public Library is launching a new series designed to engage the local community in a deeper discussion about noteworthy, often difficult-to-talk-about subjects. The series, called “Let’s Talk About,” starts with a discussion on racism utilizing the book Waking Up White by Debby Irving.

In Waking Up White, Irving shares her struggle to understand racism and racial tensions, unpacking her own long-held beliefs about colorblindness, being a good person and wanting to help people of color. In doing so, she reveals how each of these well-intentioned mindsets perpetuate ill-conceived ideas about race and invites readers to explore their own racialized ideas.

With Irving’s book as a guide, the Library will provide a safe place for the community to have a cross-racial conversation about the roots of white perspective and the beliefs that develop from them. We invite you to join us on Sunday, February 28 at 12:30pm when the author will be in conversation with moderator Dia Penning at the Central Library.

We’re also inviting our patrons to connect with each other here in our Goodreads Group for a discussion of the book and the subject of race and racism in the world today. On the group bookshelf we’ve included a list of suggested additional reading to help expand the conversation. We very much look forward to hearing your thoughts and perspectives.

For more information on the program series please visit our website www.saclibrary.org/letstalk.

For anyone who thinks they are not part of a racist discussion, pick up this book! It is an easy-read that is nothing short of eye-opening for those of us that grew up blinded to the realities of outright discrimination happening behind the scenes...let alone right in front of us. Debby Irving speaks candidly about her journey to acknowledge the reality around her. And although some moments of the book are absolutely cringe-worthy, I'm rapidly turning the pages to discover the next steps in her journey.

This discussion is going to be fantastic and I think a lot of people will come in thinking one thing and leave with more knowledge, understanding and resolve to right this wrong.

Favorite quote in the book so far: "George W. Bush was born on third base, but thinks he hit a triple." (she quotes Jim Hightower here).... Love this!

Everyone,

Please note that the event has changed. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Debby Irving is no longer able to attend Sunday's event. The event will go on with local journalist and playwright Ginger Rutland.

You can find more information at www.saclibrary.org/letstalk.

We'll see you there!

Just finished the book and loved it. I started examining my own behavior as a result and have watched a couple of films the book recommended. Excellent reading! I'm looking forward to the discussion on this Sunday and our book club at South Natomas will be discussing it on Wednesday.

Which films would you recommend? Did you see the recommendations on the library's website?

Cathy wrote: "Which films would you recommend? Did you see the recommendations on the library's website?"
I didn't see the recommendations on the website. I watched two movies mentioned in the books film discussions and while I liked them, realized I had already gotten the information from the book so I wouldn't necessarily recommend them. Do you have any? I'm making it an issue to find out more about the subject.

Hi Teresa, Just go to www.saclibrary.org/letstalk. scroll down the page and there are complimentary items so you can delve deeper into the subject. There's a "Let's Read", "Let's Watch", "Let's Connect" and "Let's Take Action". I'm sure you'll get some great choices from those selections.

Cathy wrote: "Hi Teresa, Just go to www.saclibrary.org/letstalk. scroll down the page and there are complimentary items so you can delve deeper into the subject. There's a "Let's Read", "Let's Watch", "Let's Con..."
I just went there - what an amazing resource! I'm building my list from some of the choices now.