Civic Conversations Book Club

What is the Civic Book Club?

The League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area is launching an intergenerational book club for community members who want thoughtful conversation grounded in facts, history, and lived experience.

We read books connected to democracy, government, public policy, education, and history (including League history and local/regional history). Our goal is simple: strengthen civic understanding and rebuild the kind of community connection that makes democracy work.

Open to the public. Ages 16+ welcome.
If you’re not a League member and would like to attend, please email us for details: bookclub@fredericksburglwv.org.

When & where we meet

When: Fourth Saturday of each month, 1:00–3:00 PM

Where: A Central Rappahannock Regional Library branch (we rotate locations to be accessible across our five-jurisdiction region)

Format: In-person is encouraged for connection and community, and a Teams option will be available for those who need it.

Note: The next meeting location and the current book are always posted below.

How we choose the next book

At the end of each meeting, attendees suggest titles and we vote on the next month’s book together. That means the list stays community-driven—and responsive to what people want to explore.

We encourage borrowing through the library, audiobooks, or any format that works for you.

How we make sure everyone feels welcome

LWVFRA is proudly nonpartisan. Our book club is designed to be a respectful space for learning and discussion across perspectives.

• No campaigning and no campaign materials.
• Respectful dialogue is required (listen to understand; assume good faith).
• We might discuss political systems, institutions, and history in a nonpartisan way.
• Everyone is welcome—members and non-members—so long as discussion remains constructive and civil

Accessibility & inclusion

We meet in public library spaces and aim to make participation accessible. If you have an accommodation request or need help accessing the book, please reach out in advance when possible at bookclub@fredericksburglwv.org—we’ll do our best to support you.

Titles we’re considering

Here are some of the books currently on our “possible reads” list. Final selections are chosen by attendee vote each month.

The Woman Behind the New Deal

The Secret History of Home Economics

Why Nations Fail

Age of Revolutions

Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America

Women’s March — Jennifer Chiaverini

Rightfully Ours — Kerrie Logan Hollihan

The Woman They Could Not Silence

An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s

The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote — Elaine Weiss

Suffrage: Women’s Long Battle for the Vote — Ellen Carol DuBois

Recasting the Vote: How Women of Color Transformed the Suffrage Movement — Cathleen D. Cahill

One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy — Carol Anderson

Wounded Knee: Party Politics and the Road to an American Massacre

Plus selected works by historical members of the League (to be announced)

Support Civic Education in Our Region

The League of Women Voters of the Fredericksburg Area offers year-round, nonpartisan civic education—helping neighbors better understand government, elections, and the issues that shape daily life.

If you believe our region benefits from informed, engaged residents, please consider making a donation. Your support helps sustain civic education programs like this book club and expand access to trusted, community-based learning opportunities across Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.

Curious about the League?

The Book Club is open to the public. If you’re interested in learning more about LWVFRA membership—volunteer opportunities, voter education work, and civic programs—email us at info@fredericksburglwv.org or