Engage Winona and the Winona Public Library invites the community to join us for our second round of the Community Builders Book Club. Similarly to the first, we will take a deeper look at 5 books that explore how communities can grow stronger through civic participation.
This book club will meet the first Wednesday of the month from January to May 2026 at 4:30 pm at the Winona Public Library.
Following the same themes as the first round of Community Builders Book Club, we’ll read books from a range of viewpoints, sparking discussions on local action, community power, bridging divides, and the roles of people and governments in shaping our communities. Come ready to challenge your own ideas, engage with diverse perspectives, and discover practical ways to build a more connected community and world.
January 7: You’re More Powerful Than You Think by Eric Liu unravels the nature of power in communities arguing that, despite feelings of powerlessness, citizens can create change through civic engagement and activism.
February 4: This Is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick narrates how she came to find belonging in the place she lives, combined with scientific research on what makes people love the places where they live.
March 4: Escaping The Housing Trap by Charles L Marohn Jr, also the author of “Strong Towns” from our first round of the book club, looks at housing as a need and housing as an investment to understand the challenges of housing in the United States.
April 1: The Power of Bridging by John A. Powell moves readers from an “us vs them” mentality to a more inclusive “we.” This is done through Powell’s framework that builds connections across social and ideological differences.
May 6: Palaces For The People by Eric Klinenburg describes the vital importance of “social infrastructure,” the public spaces such as libraries, parks, and schools, that enhance civic life while decreasing polarization to create more resilient communities.
Engage Winona is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization cultivating stronger communities in the Winona area by reigniting community participation through meaningful dialogue, support, and training.
