Cultural Events
It is essential that minds are challenged, stretched and cultivated to create an educated citizenry and a forum for the exchange of ideas. The library, as the most democratic of all institutions, provides all this and more – with free access for all. The DC Public Library Foundation has provided funding for the following events:- “Poet Laureate Series:” readings by Billy Collins and Robert Pinsky as part of National Poetry Month
- Created the “Children’s Author Series” (with funding from the Catherine Pfeiffer Foundation) featuring a Caldecott Award winning children’s illustrator, Mr. Bryan Collier
- “Reading King” – An annual event honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. In 2006 an actor re-created Dr. King’s speeches and in 2005 Teens learned about Rosa Parks and received a copy of the book “Rosa” by Nikki Giovanni
- “Exploring Latino Authors: Novelas Contemporáneas”
- “Summer Music Series:” Purchased a portable stage and funded Friday summer music performances at MLK
- Washington Post Speaker Series: panel presentations from Washington Post staff on aspects of presenting the news
The Foundation is launching the "Library Literati," savvy young professionals who care deeply about literature and literacy to enjoy events that are intellectually and socially stimulating - while developing private funding for the library.