On Saturday, May 18, Anythink will host its first Civic Saturday, a public gathering designed to cultivate civic engagement and tradition. Participants will join Anythink staff, local artists and fellow community members at Anythink Wright Farms for a morning of readings, song and small group discussion on the topic of neighbors: What challenges and opportunities do people encounter in the face of rapid growth? What does it mean to be a good neighbor? Civic Saturday is just one way in which Anythink continues to establish the library as a “town square,” a place where individuals from all walks of life are invited to come together for civic engagement, social interaction and information. Representatives from Adams County Elections will also be in attendance at Civic Saturday, providing information on voter registration and other opportunities to become involved in local elections.  

“Residents in Adams County look to the library as a safe, trusted place to host conversations about issues that are important to them,” says Anythink Director of Innovations and Brand Strategy Stacie Ledden. “Civic Saturday is one more way Anythink can meet that need, acting as a gathering space for people to engage with and about their community.

“Anythink is also honored to continue its partnership with Eric Liu, founder of Citizen University and executive director of the Citizenship and American Identity Program for Aspen Institute. Joining other cities nationwide in hosting Civic Saturday is the perfect furtherance of this relationship, which started with hosting ‘What Every American Should Know’ in 2015 and Liu’s thought-provoking presentation last fall surrounding his book, You Are More Powerful Than You Think.”

“Civic Saturday has struck a chord, and we are now taking it national with events around the country and with a new Civic Seminary that trains people to lead these gatherings and build these civic congregations in their own towns,” Eric Liu, Citizen University founder, said. “In a time when politics is so fiercely polarized, we want to appreciate anew the simple miracle of democratic citizenship.”

Civic Saturday was first started by Citizen University, a Seattle-based organization dedicated to building a culture of powerful, responsible citizenship in the U.S. To help spread the initiative outside of Seattle, Citizen University trains individuals and organizations from across the country, including Anythink, on how to host Civic Saturdays in their own communities.

The event is free and open to the public. Sign language interpretation will be available. Refreshments will be served. In order to provide appropriate accommodations, online registration is suggested.

Event Details

Civic Saturday
Saturday, May 18, 2019
9:30-11:30 am

Anythink Wright Farms
5877 E. 120th Ave.
Thornton, CO 80602
303-405-3200

Gather with fellow community members to reflect, connect and create new civic traditions that are joyful and communal. Through songs, readings and discussions, local artists, community members and Anythink staff will share inspiration on the theme of neighbors. What challenges and opportunities do we encounter in the face of rapid growth? What does it mean to be a good neighbor? This event is free and open to all. Sign language interpretation will be available. Refreshments will be served. To help provide refreshments and accommodations, please register in advance at anythinklibraries.org.