The spread of fake news: Is there a vaccine for that?

Douglas Public Library 560 E. 10th St., Douglas, AZ, United States

Like a virus, fake news catches on erratically, intensely, and swiftly, and can leave the American public feeling dazed and confused. How can media producers and consumers cure the spread of this false-information outbreak? What steps are technology and media companies taking? How can we protect ourselves and maintain a healthy dose of democratic discourse […]

Free

Water in the Southwest: Where have we been, and where are we going?

Tolleson Public Library 9555 W Van Buren Street, Tolleson, AZ, United States

It has been said that, “Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting.” This is especially true of water politics in the American Southwest, a region defined by its lack of water. The massive 20th century federal investments into dam systems controlled the great rivers of the West, allowing cities like Phoenix to “bloom like […]

Free

Crime, Punishment, and Prisons in America

Florence Community Library 778 N. Main St., Florence, AZ, United States

The United States officially incarcerates more persons than any other nation on earth. Incarceration cost U.S. taxpayers more than $80 billion in 2016. Some states such as New York in the East and Washington in the West spend between $50,000 and $60,000 a year for each prisoner. What does that cost buy? What purposes does […]

Free

Through My Eyes: The Impact of Implicit Bias

Coolidge Public Library 160 W. Central Avenue, Coolidge, AZ, United States

We come from different places and backgrounds. Our life experiences and backgrounds can affect the way we see the world and each other, for better or worse. What is implicit bias, and how does it shape our attitudes and actions towards others? How do stereotypes affect our understanding, actions, and decisions? “Implicit bias” can cause […]

White Allies 101: Outreach, Engagement and Change-Making

Glendale Public Library - Foothills Library - Roadrunner Room 19055 N 57th Ave, Glendale, United States

What is an ally? As a White person, do you struggle with how to respond to racism at work, at home or in your community? If so, you are not alone. Many allies seek effective tools to engage in honest and productive conversations about race. How do you talk to White friends, relatives and neighbors […]

American Native: Native American

Prescott Valley Public Library 7401 E Skoog Blvd, Prescott Valley, AZ, United States

What is the experience of Native Americans in the U.S.? What is Native? What is Indian? What is Indigenous? The experiences of Native Americans in the U.S. are complex, and filled with a rich history marked simultaneously by pride, honor and achievement, and by political, religious and racial disparity. How does social media perpetuate stereotypes […]

Through My Eyes – The Impact of Implicit Bias

Florence Community Library 778 N. Main St., Florence, AZ, United States

We come from different places and backgrounds. Our life experiences and backgrounds can affect the way we see the world and each other, for better or worse. What is implicit bias, and how does it shape our attitudes and actions towards others? How do stereotypes affect our understanding, actions, and decisions? “Implicit bias” can cause […]

Free Speech: Can I Tell You How Much I Hate You?

Yuma County Library - Main Library 2951 S. 21st Dr., Yuma, AZ, United States

Freedom of speech is fundamental in a democratic society. It means that a person or a community can express their opinion or ideas without fear of retaliation or censorship. But what happens when the opinions expressed are unpopular, violent or dangerous? Whether expressed in person, or through social media, words can have a powerful effect […]

Native American Signs and Symbols: Pee-Posh/Kwatsan

Sierra Vista Public Library 2600 E. Tacoma St., Sierra Vista, AZ, United States

Native Americans in the U.S. are diverse, and their contributions have enriched our lives in countless ways. People do not always realize the origins of Native contributions to the language, culture, and traditions of the U.S. What are Native signs and symbols? What do they mean? Where do they appear? They can represent animals, astrological […]

Water in Arizona: Sustainability, Supply and Demand

Glendale Public Library - Foothills Library - Roadrunner Room 19055 N 57th Ave, Glendale, United States

Water is necessary for life, but as supply shrinks, choices must be made about who is given access to water and who isn’t. Communities across Arizona are going dry. This means that some residents may have no choice except to move. How do we decide who gets access to water, and who does not? Should […]

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