Help us grow Barrington Indivisible
Wednesday, January 28
7 – 8:30pm CST
Dust off the Constitution! Haven’t read it since high school? You’re not alone. Join us for a fun, low-key discussion of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence—two short reads that still pack a punch. Optional bonus context from The Oath and the Office by Brown professor Corey Brettschneider. Short on time? Just read the originals and come ready to chat!
The Constitution, Amendments 1-10 - The Bill of Rights, Amendments 11-27, and the Declaration are available on-line from the National Archives. The Oath and the Office is available from the Barrington Area Library through an interlibrary loan by calling 847-382-1300 or via internet request. It is available new or used from several places, including bookshop.org, betterworldbooks.com, Barnes & Noble, and Audible.
The Barrington Area Library provides Meeting Room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event nor the presenting individuals or organizations.
This event meets ADA standards, Accessible restrooms, Mainly flat ground. Wheelchair ramp, Dedicated parking spots, Wide doorways and walkways, Dedicated seating------Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or request more information.
.October 2025 - The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement.
This month's discussion centered around the ideas presented in Sharon McMahon's book, The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement.
This work considers and celebrates what it takes to be an agent of change. History is not only made by the heroes we know. The course of our country’s history is often changed by unknown but courageous, persistent, and diverse citizens who have the courage and drive to go beyond and achieve a just end.
September 2025 - Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism.
We discussed the ideas in Anne Applebaum’s Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism.
Applebaum analyzes the reasons for the drive toward authoritarianism, on a global, national and personal level. She talks about the model of the new right’s illiberal one-party state, which was originally, and ironically, developed by Lenin. This model for holding power can accommodate all types of ideologies, and doesn’t require large scale violence. It does need its followers to accept an alternative reality, while an impartial political system is destroyed
November 2025 - Which country does the most good for the world?
We discussed the concept of the “Good Country.” Simon Anholt suggests that we should focus on countries doing good globally: how they can and should positively impact others beyond their own borders.
Anholt says that the benefits and negatives of globalization seem to have taken us by surprise. However, we need to collaborate on worldwide problem-solving, despite our antiquated organization into nation-states whose governments look inward.