LEWISTON – There’s a group of people in the Twin Cities who will tell you that the world is flat, and they’ve got some pretty good ideas about what should be done.

These people, all members of L/A Reads, got together Wednesday evening at the Lewiston Public Library for a community charette. In the focused discussion, they shared thoughts and proposed local responses to issues raised in Thomas Friedman’s book, “The World Is Flat.” Friedman raises concerns that the United States is in danger of falling behind as globalization takes place.

About three dozen participants took part in the program in which one book is read by many people. Friedman’s book looks at the effect of communications advances on the global economy in recent years.

The group at the library’s Callahan Hall divided among four tables for the discussion, and ended the meeting with reports summarizing their ideas.

High priority was given to educational opportunities for all ages and throughout a lifetime. There also was emphasis on the need to make young people more world-aware.

It was pointed out that L-A residents have a wonderful opportunity to learn about the cultures of immigrants who have come here.

Mainers, in general, are not used to rapid change, one participant said, adding Maine has a great number of talented residents who limit themselves.

At another of the tables, it was suggested that a lot of benefit locally would be gained if students were encouraged, or even assigned, to read Friedman’s book.

There was agreement that Maine has the ability and opportunity to be unique.

In discussion at one of the tables, various themes brought the group back to a particular point that seemed to apply universally.

They said inspirational leadership is needed for young people. It also was pointed out that parents are key players.

The conclusion of one man was that young people seem comfortable and capable in this new world.

A principal point made by the author of “The World Is Flat” is that many jobs and activities “can now be outsourced or offshored.”