Libraries are typically thought of as quiet spaces, but a new group at the Williamsburg Regional Library aims to get people talking.
The new discussion group, called After Thoughts, will convene at popular after-work hangout venues like Alewerks, Virginia Beer Company and Triangle.
Its goal is to take conversations about pop culture and current affairs outside the library and into the community, according to a press release from the Williamsburg Regional Library.
In addition to books, After Thoughts will meet to discuss movies, television, podcasts and articles on the second Thursday of every month.
The topics will be selected to have a “pertinent connection” to young professionals, but meetings are open to everyone. By providing the opportunity to meet new people and discuss shared interests, After Thoughts is a “natural fit” for professionals in their 20s and 30s, the release said.
The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Schell Room at the Williamsburg Regional Library. It will feature a screening of an episode from the first season of the sitcom “Will & Grace,” which was the first prime-time television series to feature openly gay characters. The sitcom returns to prime-time this month, with the season premiering on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m on NBC.
The show sparked conversation and criticism, and After Thoughts attendees will discuss how American’s perspectives have changed in the nearly two decades since Will & Grace first aired.
“We’re excited to have a lively conversation with a group of people willing to hear other opinions,” said Jesse Kelley, an adult services librarian at WRL. “The library should be a place that holds all ideas and that’s what this program is about.”
Future meetings will be held outside the library, beginning with the Oct. 12 meeting at the Triangle for a screening of the film “Get Out,” a horror-comedy that was the first film directed by an African American to gross over $100 million.
Triangle will also be the site of the group’s November meeting for a discussion of the podcast “Ear Hustle,” which was created by San Quentin State Prison inmates. The podcast explores day-to-day life inside the prison, including stories of cellmates, rivalries and food.
Attendees of the group meetings will responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. Information of future events will be posted on the library’s online calendar.
Editor’s note: The managing editor of WYDaily is married to librarian Jesse Kelley.
