CamdenCAN invites the public to join its Fall 2025 Resilient Reading Group. The facilitated conversation circle explores current climate science and all its implications.

"Come meet others wanting to improve their climate literacy and explore ways to think about living in a climate-changed world," said CamdenCAN.

The reading group will met Tuesday afternoons at Camden Public Library, from 4-5 pm. Dates are 9/23, 10/7, 10/28, 11/11, 11/25, 12/9, 12/23, 1/13/26, 1/27/26. May include a zoom component if desired. If you have questions or would like to preregister, email camdencan2025@gmail.com. 

The first book will be Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet byKate Marvel.

"Marvel is a climate scientist who conveys her deep understanding of the climate systems with elegance, humility, and humor," said CamdenCAN. Her chapters include Wonder, Anger, Guilt, Fear, Grief, Pride, and Hope.

"Marvel is our guide and our coach," said CamdenCAN.

She writes, “It will not be easy. A happy ending is not guaranteed. But a better one is possible…No one is coming to save us. We have to create the we have to create the world in which we want to live. …Science sets the limits; we write the story. It can be a hopeful one.” 

CamdenCAN expects this book to carry the group for five, 1-hour sessions. There will be weekly readings and prepared discussion questions, yet also room for the group to vary the pace and topics depending on personal interests.  

The second book in CamdenCAN’s Fall/Winter reading series will be Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart/Brian D. McLaren. Far from an apocalyptic nightmare, this work, written by a former English professor and pastor, offers a life-affirming approach to living in difficult times. As the author states, “Life After Doom is for everyone who has reached a point where not facing their unpeaceful, uneasy, unwanted feelings about the future has become more draining than facing them. It’s for anyone who understands that we’ve entered a dangerous time and we need to prepare ourselves to face that danger with wisdom, courage, character, and compassion.”

"The ultimate goal of these book discussions is to inform as well as expand one another’s understandings of the moment we are living in," said CamdenCAN. "One of the greatest actions to take to improve our current situation is to talk about it, as well as forge new alliances and build community. Come join us—let’s see what we can do to thrive in these challenging times."

Started around a kitchen table in the Spring of 2023, CamdenCAN (ClimateActionNow) is a citizen-led organization committed to reducing Camden’s contribution to climate change through local action, education, advocacy, and resources. Since its inception, the organization has sponsored over 15 Camden Talks Climate events with the Camden Public Library, has sponsored two food garden tours to promote food sustainability, and collaborated with the Town of Camden on the outreach for its Harbor Resilience Planning project in the spring of 2024. CamdenCAN is currently working on an Energy Coaching and Emergency Preparedness grant with the towns of Camden and Rockport. CamdenCAN publishs a biweekly newsletter and helps the Midcoast community take advantage of climate solutions with actionable steps. See more at CamdenCAN.org.