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