What is our path forward as our nation grapples with divergent views about imperative issues including immigration, the economy and jobs, healthcare, the environment, civil liberties and who ultimately gets a piece of the American pie? Are we building an inclusive or ‘acceptably exclusive’ society? Amidst community concern about the future of our nation and the possible winnowing of civil liberties for specific groups, the library’s role is more vital than ever.

We have pulled together resources and programs that reflect our values as an institution. Our expert librarians have created guides to immigration and refugee resources, detecting fake media news and a top 10 list of books that will challenge perspectives. We have also joined with community partners to present programs on civics, a diverse America, anticipated federal policy changes, journalism and news media and other current topics.

We wanted to engage with our community. We have received important feedback, such as this from a mother reflecting on a visit from Justice Breyer, "My son asked the last question to Justice Breyer. It is a memory he will have for his lifetime, as will reading the Constitution outside on the park." This initiative has also been recognized in the city of Cambridge as a 2017 Rossi Award for Creative and Responsive Leadership.