South Dakota Ag Connection - Extension Launches Community-Focused Book Read Group

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Extension Launches Community-Focused Book Read Group
South Dakota Ag Connection - 01/14/2021

SDSU Extension's Community Vitality team will be offering a statewide virtual book read focusing on community issues beginning Jan. 20.

"In a time where it can be difficult to gather, we see a statewide virtual book read as an excellent opportunity for South Dakotans to connect on important community issues of the day while enjoying great books," says Kari O'Neill, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Program Manager.

Facilitated discussions will be held every Wednesday evening over Zoom, which is readily available and free to individuals with internet capabilities. The timeframe will be 7:30 p.m. CST; 8:30 p.m. MST, with an hour of interaction. Interested parties should register by Jan. 15 to receive the link to join the discussion. The program will conclude Feb. 10.

The first book will be "Little Chapel on the River: A Pub, a Town, and the Search for What Matters Most" by Gwendolyn Bounds. The book's description notes it as: "beautifully written, deeply personal, and brilliantly insightful, Little Chapel on the River is a love story about a place - and the people who bring it to life."

Peggy Schlechter, SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialist says the book is an easy read, but very relatable to small communities.

"I think this book will highlight our work in placemaking and helping communities vision their future," says Schlechter. "The story is about a journalist forced from her home during the 9/11 terrorist attack, and how she found community and fellowship in the picturesque town of Garrison, New York. It will be a prism to discuss the value of places we call home."

There is no registration fee to attend; participants only need to purchase the book in advance of the start date. There will be a cap to the number of participants, with a plan to offer more book reads in the future.

To register, visit the SDSU Extension Community Book Read event page or contact O'Neill at kari.oneill@sdstate.edu, 605-685-6972; Schlechter at peggy.schlecter@sdstate.edu, 605-394-1722; or Joshua Hofer at joshua.hofer@sdstate.edu, 605-995-7378.

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