A local author inspired joy, friendship and community action during an event in Fairfield in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Lizzy Rockwell wrote “The All-Together Quilt.” She did a special book reading for families on Monday at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

The children’s book is about quilting as a way to build community among people with different backgrounds.

Families designed their own quilts following the reading as organizers mentored them through the craft.

“The way we do it, we have such a cross-section of skills because we have so many different ages and backgrounds,” Rockwell says. “We share skills with each other as we’re making it and that collaboration is just really enriching for everybody.”

Visitors also explored “The Social Life of Quilt,” an exhibit at the museum that shows off locally-made quilts that symbolize unity.