Across the country, people are asking what happened to this country, whether everyone has lost touch with their neighbors and shared destiny, whether the nation is unraveling and if so, what is the culprit? Perhaps the most urgent question is “What can we do to come together?”

C.H. Booth Library and Newtown Congregational Church invited readers to attend the screening of a documentary that explores why people should join a club or group, and why the fate of America depends on it. A related follow-up event is also planned.

A screening of Join or Die is planned in the meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street, on Saturday, January 11. The screening will begin at 2 pm. Registration is requested and available through chboothlibrary.libcal.com.

Snow date is January 12.

In this feature documentary, viewers follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to democracy’s present crisis.

Flanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr, Raj Chetty, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country, Putnam explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly … What can we do about it?

Directed by Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis, the film has a running time of 93 minutes. A discussion of the film and its topics will follow.

Global Community Event

C.H. Booth Library has also planned a Global Community Engagement Day for Saturday, January 25. From 1 to 4 pm that afternoon, the library will bring together diverse organizations and individuals, offering an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the tapestry of the community.

Representatives from local organizations will share their unique perspectives and talents. Readers are invited to drop in to learn about local opportunities to volunteer.

Participating organizations include Agora Corp, American Legion and Sons of American Legion, Danbury Student and Business Connection, Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, Friends of Newtown Seniors, The Garden Club of Newtown, Newtown Cultural Arts Commission, Newtown Historical Society, and Newtown Lions Club.

Additional clubs and organizations may still join the roster.