‘What it Means to be American’ at the Oceanside Public Library

Oceanside CA—The Oceanside Public Library, in partnership with San Marcos Writing Project will host a day of discussion and writing surrounding the theme: “What it means to be American” at the Mission Branch Library on Saturday, July 6 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The Mission Branch Library is located 3891 Mission Boulevard in Oceanside. The Library will host a screening of the PBS documentary “American Creed” At 10:00 a.m., followed by a Community Conversation led by Dr. Fredi Avalos, of Cal State University San Marcos.
In the documentary film, “American Creed,” former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy come together from different points of view to investigate the idea of a unifying American creed. Their spirited inquiry frames the stories of citizen-activists striving to realize their own vision of America’s promise across deepening divides. At the heart of this film, Rice and Kennedy lead a moving discussion about the question: what does it mean to be American today?
Dr. Fredi Avalos will lead a Community Conversation asking participants similar questions. This discussion is aimed to mirror the type of conversation Rice and Kennedy have in the film; one designed to engage North County residents about their own part in the American story, and in acting to shape that story for the better. Following the film screening and discussion, participants will break for a free community lunch, where discussions will continue.
After the break for lunch, a scholar-led writing workshop with writing prompts aligned with the film will be led by San Marcos Writing Project founder and director Dr. Laurie Stowell and Co-director Nancy Pace-Skinner. Throughout the month, the Oceanside Public Library will support the writings developed at this writing workshop, featuring the topic at the library writers’ groups in July. The project will culminate in a celebration with the publication of a community anthology and writers’ open mic on August 3. This event is open to the public.
For more information on Oceanside Public Library programs and services, please visit the library’s website at oceansidepubliclibrary.org or call (760) 435-5600. To register, please visit http://bit.ly/AmericanCreedOPL. This program is made possible through funding from the American Library Association and the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library. For more information about the film American Creed, please visit www.americancreed.org