Gazette file photo

HOUGHTON — The Portage Lake District Library will host “360 Degrees of Understanding: Communication Beyond Culture” at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The program will be facilitated by Shawnrece Butler, assistant vice president for Opportunity, Empowerment and People at Northern Michigan University.

According to a press release from PLDL, the idea for this program began when a local high school student shared thoughts with Library Program Coordinator Asako Nakamura about how people sometimes see things differently and how meaningful it is when they find common ground. Their conversation inspired the library to create an event that celebrates the many ways we understand one another.

“Everyone brings a different story and way of seeing the world,” Nakamura said. “This program is about noticing those differences and also what connects us.”

Butler, an educator, speaker, and advocate for inclusive learning and community belonging, will guide a community conversation on how communication can build understanding across cultures, generations, and everyday experiences.

The program is free and open to all. This event is made possible by a grant from the Keweenaw Community Foundation.

For questions or more information, contact Nakamura, at asako@pldl.org or (906) 482-4570 Ext.4111.