The Auburn Public Library is set to offer a reading and discussion group, Together: Connection & Community, that will focus on connecting and building community.

The group is scheduled to meet from 5:30 to 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month beginning Sept. 16 and continuing through May 19, via Zoom.

Each person’s reflections will be based on books, poetry, articles, and a film or two, and will touch upon four key components: connection, empathy, diversity, and community. Any books or articles read will be provided to the group members, and the books are for participants to either keep for their personal library or to share with someone else.

The monthly discussions will be facilitated by James Ford, a Black man who has spent more than 40 years in Maine and works as a restorative practices coordinator in Lewiston. Dylan Welch, an English major at Bowdoin College, will also join each month. Welch brings with him a love of poetry which will be woven into the monthly meetings.

The book group is open to people 16 and older.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Maine Public Library Fund.

For more information or to register, email dwallace@auburnpubliclibrary.org. Information on other upcoming programs offered by the Auburn Public Library can be found at auburnpubliclibrary.org or the Auburn Public Library Advocates page on Facebook.