By Grace Allen

Norfolk Public Library will host a Community Read during March with programming and events for all ages. “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson was chosen for its themes of race, social justice, equality, and incarceration.

The library is also partnering with King Philip High School for the Community Read. Students will be reading the book as part of the curriculum.

Libby O’Neill, the library director, says the Community Read project presents an opportunity for the community to celebrate literature while initiating conversation around the issues explored in the book.

“It has always been a library programming dream of mine to have a Community Read program that can truly make a positive impact on the community,” said O’Neill. “There are so many important themes in the book to discuss and possibly learn from.”

“Just Mercy” is the biographical account of the author’s experiences defending the rights of the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned. According to O’Neill, the book was chosen with input from Jessica Pepple, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham public schools. 

Thirteen programs exploring the book’s topics are planned throughout the month, with some to be held in person and some virtually.

The events include a screening of “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality,” the Emmy Award-winning documentary focusing on the author’s life and career; a workshop designed to help parents learn how to discuss social justice issues with their children; and a presentation by an attorney with the Equal Justice Initiative, the non-profit founded by Stevenson that provides legal representation to prisoners and others who may have been wrongly convicted of crimes or denied a fair trial. 

Book groups held in partnership with the library will also discuss “Just Mercy,” including the teen book club. In addition, the library is planning a story hour introducing the book’s themes in an age-appropriate way for younger patrons.

Community Read initiatives aim to promote engagement and build community through a common intellectual experience, not unlike book discussion groups but on a larger scale. O’Neill says her goals for Norfolk’s Community Read include connecting residents through shared reading, sparking conversation within the community, and broadening perspectives on social justice and equity to create positive change.

When asked what makes a Community Read successful, O’Neill said she considers the overall engagement of patrons, including book checkouts, program participation, and positive feedback as markers of success.

“I think the whole idea of getting residents to read the same book, at the same time, is really special,” said O’Neill. “It brings people together, sharing something in common to start conversations. I believe ‘Just Mercy’ will connect, as well as engage the community and make a positive impact.”

Copies of “Just Mercy” are available at the Norfolk Public Library (regular print, large print, audiobooks, ebooks, kindle, and a young adult version). A full list of programs and events for the Community Read are listed on the library’s website (https://norfolkpl.org). Registration is required for most of the programs.