Introducing the Informed Community Bookclub, a space dedicated to exploring and discussing pertinent social, economic, and political issues. If you are interested in participating in our democratic institutions or just making friends, join us! 

April's book will be Conditional Citizens: On Belonging in America by Laila Lalami

Tapping into history, politics, and literature, she elucidates how accidents of birth—such as national origin, race, and gender—that once determined the boundaries of Americanness still cast their shadows today.  Lalami poignantly illustrates how white supremacy survives through adaptation and legislation, with the result that a caste system is maintained that keeps the modern equivalent of white male landowners at the top of the social hierarchy. Conditional citizens, she argues, are all the people with whom America embraces with one arm and pushes away with the other.
 
Brilliantly argued and deeply personal, Conditional Citizens weaves together Lalami’s own experiences with explorations of the place of nonwhites in the broader American culture.

The discussion will be hosted by former Los Gatos Planning Commissioner and current president of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition Jeff Suzuki.

The Los Gatos Library recognizes the diversity of our community and is committed to accessibility for all patrons. We strive to make every visitor feel comfortable by ensuring equal access to programs, services, and activities. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in a library program, please contact library@losgatosca.gov