Are low-income Americans unfairly targeted and punished through digital decision-making tools? That’s the question explored by Virginia Eubanks in her new book, Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor.

Eubanks will discuss her findings at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Richard E. and Lucille Krug Rare Books Room (814 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee), at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, February 5. Community Advocates Public Policy Institute, the Milwaukee Public Library, and Boswell Book Co. are sponsoring her talk. Boswell will offer Automating Inequality for sale.

In Automating Inequality, Eubanks shines a spotlight on Indiana’s digitized welfare benefits process, Los Angeles’ screening tool for those experiencing homelessness, and the information collected on public services seekers in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Of the book, Naomi Klein writes: “This book is downright scary—but with its striking research and moving, indelible portraits of life in the digital poorhouse, you will emerge smarter and more empowered to demand justice.”

Eubanks will speak from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Milwaukee Public Library’s Richard E. and Lucille Krug Rare Book Room, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., on Monday, February 5. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited so registration is required. Please register on the library’s website at mpl.org/services/events/?eid=81421 or by calling 414-286-3011. Note: This event may be moved to a different venue within the library.

Community Advocates established the Public Policy Institute in 2008 to work toward preventing and reducing poverty while improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. The Public Policy Institute targets poverty by changing relevant public policies and laws; preventing its effects through public health efforts; and working to increase opportunity and wellness for low-income people by fostering factors related to success, resilience, and well-being.