(upbeat music) - Mayor Jenny Wilson's Book & Media Club brings the community together through shared stories and civic conversation.

She joins us to share how the club fosters connection through books, essays, and film.

Hi, Jenny.

- Hi.

- Such a pleasure to have you here.

- I'm happy to be here.

Good to see you, Mary.

- So, tell me how you decided to start this.

- You know, it's been a couple of years, and I feel like our public is too divided.

So, I wanted to do something fun and interesting.

And I produced a film.

It actually showed on this station.

And I really believe that storytelling is a way that we can unite.

And when you work in government, there's so many interesting themes.

And it can seem really bureaucratic, so I've tried to find themes that can engage the public in creative ways.

So, film, books.

We had an article once.

And I just try and find something interesting that the community might want to engage around.

- And then they can discuss it.

And, I mean, I love what you call thoughtful media consumption, which is so important these days, yeah.

- Yeah.

So, we'll send out an article, or we'll tell people to watch a video, or we'll show a movie, or read a book.

Just ideas that explore discussion and thought.

- Yeah.

And tell us what's coming up for November.

You've got a very interesting and important subject.

- Yeah, we're gonna show a film, it's a documentary, and it's called "The Definition of Insanity".

And it's the story of this amazing former judge, recently left sitting on the bench.

He's from Miami-Dade County.

And he has figured out how to save money and save lives through reforming the criminal justice system.

And the documentary talks about his journey.

And from a government perspective, throwing people in jail is very costly.

And to be able to have another alternative is really better for both the taxpayer and an individual facing addiction or mental illness.

So, shifting to new ways is not easy.

There's so many stakeholders involved, from local police all the way to drug treatment or whatever.

- Right.

Well, incredible topic, and thanks for doing it, Jenny.

Thanks for being here.

- Yes.

- And if you'd like to know more about Mayor Jenny Wilson's book club, media club, go to slco.to/bookclub.

I'm Mary Dickson.

Thanks for watching "Contact".

(upbeat music) - Local events, arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Mary Dickson.

Here on Contact, we introduce you to local events and organizations that serve your neighborhood.

If you work for a nonprofit and would like to appear on our show, please visit pbsutah.org/contact.