Alpena County Library will host a watch party tonight at 6:45 p.m. for the Michigan Humanities Great Michigan Gathering Kickoff, giving the greater Alpena area an opportunity to join a livestreamed conversation about how communities gather and connect.
The October 7, 2026, program will feature Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, in conversation with Jennifer Rupp, Michigan Humanities’ president and CEO.
What viewers will hear
The discussion will focus on the importance of gathering intentionally, why gatherings matter today, and how people can build connection and community. The event will also examine why gathering is essential to the humanities.
A three-year free-program initiative
The library’s watch party is part of Michigan Humanities’ free, three-year Great Michigan Gathering initiative. The program is designed to bring communities together across Michigan through a coordinated series of free programs, resources and partnerships.
According to the event information, each year of the initiative builds on the previous year through a framework centered on connection, awareness, sharing, understanding, truth and growth.
Alpena County Library is a Gathering Partner and will bring three years of free programming to the greater Alpena area. More information is available at alpenalibrary.org.