Going Virtual: Miami Civil War Roundtable and Book Club
2022 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Miami-Dade County, Fla., FL
Best In Category
Contacts
QUESTIONS?
Contact Awards@NACo.org
About the Program
Category: Libraries (Best in Category)
Year: 2022
COVID-19 pandemic restrictions threatened one of the more unique book clubs hosted by the Miami-Dade Public Library System, the West Kendall Regional Library's Miami Civil War Roundtable and Book Club. In collaboration with a local history teacher and library staff, a diverse group, ranging from seniors, high schoolers, local historians, and American Civil War buffs meet monthly to discuss books and topics on the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Public health restrictions led to the suspension of in-person programming in early 2020. In response, library staff transitioned the event to Zoom and attracted new members to the Miami Civil War Roundtable and Book Club from across the United States. This new format has enabled authors nationwide to discuss their books and research with the group. These discussions of a challenging time in America's past give perspective and hope for the challenges of today.