Join us at the library on Monday, April 29 from 6-8 PM for a showing of the film Communities and Consequences II. The film grapples with the issue of aging populations in Northern New England. Although the film focuses on five New Hampshire towns, it is equally relevant to Williston and other Vermont towns. Vermont is now the nation's third-oldest state in median age. The number of elderly residents is growing, while the number of children is decreasing.

Over time, this results in an unbalanced population with widespread shortages of workers and community volunteers. This unbalancing has not been accidental, but the result of local development policies that have favored age 55+ housing and excluded low- and moderate-income families with children. This film looks at the ways in which we can rebalance our human ecology.

Where is positive change happening, and can it be replicated elsewhere? The film shows examples of people all around New Hampshire working to bring a greater diversity in housing for all ages and income levels. The results include rejuvenation of downtowns and the creation of lively new businesses in restored historic buildings. Younger people are stepping up to leadership roles, and other groups are finding ways to work together to achieve their goals.

Please join us to watch the film and engage in lively discussion afterwards!

May 7, 2024, 6 to 7 PM

May 11, 2024, 9 AM to 12 PM

May 14, 2024, 7 to 8 PM