SWAMPSCOTT — Swampscott Unites, Respects, and Embraces Diversity (S.U.R.E. Diversity) has launched a Diversity Book Club, with its inaugural meeting coming up on Monday, Sept. 16 at the Public Library.
S.U.R.E. Diversity was founded in 2016 by residents as a response to hateful acts. It is responsible for local events such as “Map of the World” and “Tell Us Your Story.” Co-founder Margaret Somer emphasized the broad approach of her organization when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and how that reflects the organization’s makeup, as well as the varied programs it offers.
According to Diversity Book Club Coordinator Rachel Shiryayeva, the club will select both fiction and nonfiction works that contain specific cultural perspectives. The first book is a fiction novel by Cristina Henriquez titled “The Book of Unknown Americans.” The club’s launch coincides with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“I am sincerely very excited to embark on this journey. I have spent countless happy hours drawing up book lists,” Shiryayeva said. “Although I have not read every chosen book (I have previewed every one, however), I feel strongly that each of these books is a treasure that may somehow change our lives and enrich our empathy for one another.”
S.U.R.E. Diversity Chair Keli Khatib encouraged all community members to join, even if they have doubts that they have time to read any given book to completion.
“Please feel free to come to any of these meetings no matter how much or how little you have read of the chosen book,” Khatib said. “Come, hear the synopsis, and participate in the conversation.”
More information on the book club is available on the library’s website.
