Is American Democracy Dying? West Hartford Library Event To Take A Look

WEST HARTFORD, CT — With the nation's political scene seemingly divided at unprecedented levels, the West Hartford Public Library this Saturday is hosting a special event that examines the situation.

The library is hosting a special screening of the award-winning documentary "Join or Die" followed by a discussion with Professor Julie Choffel and Adrienne Billings-Smith.

It will take place Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Noah Webster Library meeting room, 20 S. Main St., from 1 to 4 p.m.

"In this Emmy-nominated feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking 'Bowling Alone' research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis," reads an event announcement.

In the film, Putnam explores three questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly, what can we do about it?

The event is four days after the fifth anniversary of the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of the 2020 election in which Joe Biden ousted Trump from office.

Registration is required, and it is open until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Town of West Hartford's Office of Employee Development & Community Engagement.

Free parking in the Isham Garage is available at the Noah Webster Library during a library visit. Click here to learn more.

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

For more information on the film 'Join or Die,' click on this link.