Final Event in Embracing Community Book Read Scheduled for Nov. 7

All are invited to community-building discussion of Peter Block’s book ‘Community: The Structure of Belonging’ at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the 95th Street Library

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The City of Naperville and the Naperville Public Library invite the community to the final event in the Embracing Community Book Read, “An Inclusive Community Conversation.” The discussion will focus on  Peter Block’s book “Community: The Structure of Belonging.” It will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, in Meeting Rooms A/B at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. Those who have not previously registered for the Book Read can do so at bit.ly/Block-community-conversation.

In the book, Block describes how in a true community every person is a citizen, relationships are essential, and focusing on what is possible is transformative. The Nov. 7 Community Conversation will center on these themes, and takeaways from the discussion will shape future Embracing Community initiatives in the city. All are welcome to join and to invite friends and neighbors to attend; it is not necessary to have read the book.

“The Embracing Community Book Read furthers our efforts to create an ‘inclusive community that values diversity’ and to bring our mission to those who live and work in Naperville,” says Geneace Williams, the City of Naperville’s Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “I invite everyone to be a part of the Nov. 7 discussion and to help us build an even greater community here in Naperville by strengthening relationships and considering what it possible.”

The Book Read is part of several inclusive community conversations hosted by the City, in partnership with other organizations, in 2024 as part of its “Embracing Community: Expanding Our Dialogue, Deepening Our Understanding” series. The conversations have included storytelling and opportunities for the community to participate in intentional, respectful, and ongoing dialogue to deepen understanding while fostering inclusion among generations, cultures, and those with different experiences.


About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.