Library of Congress: Upcoming Events

Zionaires in Concert

The Zionaires perform gospel music from Maryland and Delaware, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center, at noon in the Coolidge Auditorium.

Library Organizes Eighth Annual National Book Festival, Sept. 27

The 2008 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by Mrs. Laura Bush, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, rain or shine, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 3rd and 7th streets. The festival is free and open to the public.

Shape of States Topic of Lecture on July 15

Why does West Virginia have a finger creeping up the side of Pennsylvania? Why are California and Texas so large when so many of the states in the Midwest are roughly the same size and shape? Why are Alabama and Mississippi almost exact mirror images of each other?

Mark Stein will provide answers to these questions, and many more, when he discusses and signs his new book, "How the States Got Their Shapes," at noon on Tuesday, July 15, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. Copies of the book will be on sale and available for signing.

Louis Maier to Discuss New Memoir

Now in his eighties, Louis Maier has pieced together his parents’ letters from an internment camp in France (prior to their deportation to Auschwitz) and his memories of starting a new life in America to create a memoir titled "From the Golden Gate to the Black Forest: "The Odyssey of a New American in Search of His Parents’ Fate."

Maier will discuss the book at the Library of Congress at noon on Wednesday, July 9, in Room 220 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, located at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Hebraic Section of the Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division, the program is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

United Nations and Palestine 1947

The United Nations’ role in the creation of the state of Israel marked the beginning of a critical episode in the changing colonial world order, according to historian William Roger Louis.

Louis will discuss the topic in a lecture titled "The Moral Conscience of the World: The United Nations and Palestine in 1947" at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Decolonization and Disorder

Historian Dane Kennedy, in a lecture at the Library of Congress, will examine three waves of European decolonization, from the late 18th century through the late 20th century, and the violence and discord that accompanied the transitions.

Web Conference: "Declaring Independence: Beyond the Fourth of July"

Everybody knows we celebrate the 4th of July because that's the day we declared independence. But there's more to the Declaration of Independence story than just one day or even just one document. Library of Congress librarians will show the Declaration of Independence as it evolved from an idea to an event, looking at a variety of drafts and editions of Declaration and related documents. Presented by the librarians at the Library of Congress.

When: Wednesday, July 7, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), 1:00-2:00 p.m. Central Time

NOTE: Allow yourself time to download the small software plugin needed to participate in the conference. Depending on your network security requirements, you may need assistance from your local technical support group to download and install the plugin. Actual installation should be very quick, depending on your computer and connectivity. All that is needed is a computer with an Internet connection, sound card, and speakers. A microphone will enable you to speak to the group.

To attend, go to OPAL at http://www.opal-online.org/. From the Quick Links column on the left, choose Auditorium.

1. Click the "Download Here" button in the light blue rectangle in the center of the screen.

2. Follow the directions to download and install the plugin.

3. Click the link in the orange rectangle to enter the room.

4. A gray box will appear with text asking permission to launch an external application, web conference plugin. When the grayed out text "Launch application" becomes black, click the Launch application button.

5. Type your name (no password is required) and click "Log on" to enter the online conference.

To learn more about programs sponsored by the Digital Reference Section, see Virtual Programs & Services - http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/.

For Library of Congress resources on the Declaration of Independence, see http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/DeclarInd.html.

To view Creating the United States, a new exhibition at the Library of Congress, see http://myloc.gov/exhibitions/creatingtheus/Pages/default.aspx.

To learn more about Library of Congress resources, see http://www.loc.gov/.

Web Conference: "Invisible Ancestors: Ideas & Strategies for Recreating Their Stories"

Many ancestors - early immigrants and pioneers, slaves, women, native peoples, and others - do not have compiled biographies. They are invisible except in the historical record, through the census or other data collection entities. Where there are gaps in their history, the stories can be told through early travelogues, letters, diaries, other texts and printed ephemera, photographs and other visual media, and maps.

Join Library of Congress Digital Projects Coordinator, Judy Graves, and Local History & Genealogy Specialist, Anne Toohey, for ideas and strategies for combining physical and online materials that go beyond the data and recreate the stories of these individuals. We invite you to take this opportunity to sample the Library's online materials and locate items that will enrich the stories of those whom you would like to know better.

When: Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), 1:00-2:00 p.m. Central Time

NOTE: Allow yourself time to download the small software plugin needed to participate in the conference. Depending on your network security requirements, you may need assistance from your local technical support group to download and install the plugin. Actual installation should be very quick, depending on your computer and connectivity. All that is needed is a computer with an Internet connection, sound card, and speakers. A microphone will enable you to speak to the group.

To attend, go to OPAL at http://www.opal-online.org/. From the Quick Links column on the left, choose Auditorium.

1. Click the "Download Here" button in the light blue rectangle in the center of the screen.

2. Follow the directions to download and install the plugin.

3. Click the link in the orange rectangle to enter the room.

4. A gray box will appear with text asking permission to launch an external application, web conference plugin. When the grayed out text "Launch application" becomes black, click the Launch application button.

5. Type your name (no password is required) and click "Log on" to enter the online conference.

To learn more about programs sponsored by the Digital Reference Section, see Virtual Programs & Services - http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/.

To learn more about the Library's Local History & Genealogy Reading Room, see http://www.loc.gov/rr/genealogy/.

To register for an orientation to the Library’s online materials, see http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/orientation.html.

Traditional Music and Dance of Urban Immigrant Communities

Ethel Raim, director of the Center for Traditional Music and Dance, presents a talk on "Old Cultures/New Contexts: Presenting the Traditional Music and Dance of Urban Immigrant Communities" at noon in the Whittall Pavilion.

"From Baghdad to Bombay" is Subject of June 17 Book Talk

Good food is often the centerpiece of family celebrations. With family members living on four continents, Pearl Sofaer has sampled a vast repertoire of recipes, which she has documented in her new memoir, "From Baghdad to Bombay: In the Kitchens of My Cousins."

Sofaer will discuss her book at the Library of Congress at noon on Tuesday, June 17, in the West Dining Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C.

Rushkoff Discusses Open Source Reality

Douglas Rushkoff will discuss the new cultural complexities in a lecture titled "Open Source Reality" at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 30, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Anthropology of YouTube

Michael Wesch will discuss the three-year-old video-sharing Web site in a lecture titled "The Anthropology of YouTube" at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 23, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the Library of Congress’ James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

VHP Observes Memorial Day 2008

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center plans several activities and events for Memorial Day 2008, including the Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. in support of the White House Commission on Remembrance.

Panama Canal Debates of the 70s To Be Discussed

Political events in the United States often have unintended consequences for American politics and for the country as a whole. The long-term consequences of the Panama Canal debates of the 1970s will be examined by Adam Clymer, former chief Washington correspondent for the New York Times, who discusses and signs his book, "Drawing the Line at the Big Ditch: The Panama Canal Treaties and the Rise of the Right" at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Earth's Water Cycle Lecture

eter Hildebrand, chief of the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, will discuss "Earth’s Water Cycle in a Changing Climate" at the Library of Congress at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

U.S. Citizen-Soldier and Global War on Terrorism

Larry Minear, former director of the Humanitarianism and War Project at the Feinstein International Center at Tufts University, will deliver the findings of the Tufts study on "The U.S. Citizen-Soldier and the Global War on Terror: The National Guard Experience" at noon on Tuesday, May 20, in the National Digital Library Learning Center, first floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Famine in Ukraine 1932-33

Stanislav Kulchytsky, a professor of Ukrainian history, will speak on "The Famine of 1932-1933: Case of Genocide," at noon on Friday, May 30, in the European Reading Room, on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, First Street and Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Poet Robert Hass to Moderate River of Words Awards Ceremony on May 12

WHAT: Winners and finalists of the 2008 River of Words Environmental Poetry and Art Contest will be honored at a ceremony at the Library of Congress on May 12.

Decade Before Sept. 11

The 12-year period between the end of the Cold War and the destruction of the Twin Towers was perceived as calm and peaceful. Yet foreign-policy experts say these were pivotal years in shaping America’s role in the world.

Derek Chollet and James Goldgeier will examine those years in a lecture at the Library of Congress on their new book "America Between the Wars." The authors will speak at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Octavio Paz Subject of May 23 Symposium

A two-hour symposium, "A Tribute to Octavio Paz," will be held on Friday, May 23, from 5–7 p.m. in the Mumford Room, sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Libraries and Human Development in Haiti Symposium

The Library’s Hispanic Division will sponsor a day-long symposium, "Libraries and Human Development in Haiti: The Work of Fondation Connaissance et Liberté (FOKAL)" from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, in LJ 119 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Avi Beker Discusses Jews as "Chosen People"

Avi Beker discusses his new book, "The Chosen: The History of an Idea and The Anatomy of an Obsession," at the Library of Congress at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, in the Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Charles Simic Lecture, May 8

Charles Simic will make the final appearance of his tenure as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry when he presents a lecture on poetry translation at the Library of Congress on May 8.

Forthcoming Events at the Library of Congress

Forthcoming Events at the Library of Congress
May - August 2008

Jewish American Heritage Month Events at the Library

With a national theme of "The American Jewish Experience," 2008 Jewish American Heritage Month will be celebrated by the Library of Congress with several lectures and a new Web presentation.

NEA Report on Reading To Be Discussed May 8

Sunil Iyengar, director of the NEA Office of Research and Analysis that produced "To Read or Not to Read: A Question of National Consequence," will discuss the report, its potential consequences and the public reaction at noon on Thursday, May 8, in the Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Executive summaries of the report will be available.

Madeleine Albright Speaks at Library on May 6

Madeleine Albright will discuss and sign her book, "Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership" at noon on Tuesday, May 6, in LJ 119 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The event, part of the Books & Beyond author series sponsored by the Center for the Book, is free and open to the public.

Avoiding the Fate of the Mayans

Tom Sever will present a lecture at the Library of Congress titled "Avoiding the Fate of the Mayans" at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Everything Bad Is Good for You, May 12

A spirited defense of the digital generation will be presented at the Library of Congress by Steven Berlin Johnson, who will discuss "Everything Bad Is Good for You" at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 12, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Winners of 2008 Bobbitt Poetry Prize

The distinguished Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry, created 20 years ago, will be awarded to two poets who teach at universities in Virginia: Bob Hicok of Virginia Tech and Charles Wright of the University of Virginia.

Hicok and Wright will receive the 2008 award and read selections of their work at 8 p.m. on Monday, April 28, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The program is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed.

DC School Official Tops Asian/Pacific Heritage Month Events

Michelle Rhee, chancellor of the Washington, D.C., public schools, will deliver the keynote address for the Library’s 2008 celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building at 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Environmental Writing Since Thoreau To Be Discussed

McKibben will discuss the book, "American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau," which he edited, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Lt. Gen. Julius Becton to Discuss Autobiography

Lt. Gen. Julius W. Becton Jr. will discuss and sign his book, "Becton: A Soldier and Public Servant" at noon on Tuesday, April 29, in LJ 119 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The event, part of the Books & Beyond author series sponsored by the Center for the Book, is free and open to the public.

Got Poems?

If you love a poem and want to share it with others, the Library of Congress will offer you a stage.

The Library will celebrate the Academy of American Poets’ first national "Poem in Your Pocket Day" with two events on Thursday, April 17, a poetry reading at noon and a web conference from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Seven Living Legends Chosen, Library Experience Opens

The Library of Congress will honor seven new "Living Legends" as part of its public celebration on Saturday, April 12, at the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 First St. SE, Washington, D.C., 20540). The ceremony will help mark the opening of the "Library of Congress Experience," which offers visitors the opportunity to explore rare historical and cultural treasures through interactive technology and a companion Web site. Detailed information on the Experience can be found at www.loc.gov/experience/.

Library of Congress Experience Sneak Preview

Check out the Library of Congress Blog for a preview video, also posted on YouTube, of the new Library of Congress Experience, which opens Saturday, April 12.

Alvin Ailey Exhibition Opens at Library on May 8

The Library of Congress commemorates the troupe’s golden anniversary with the exhibition, "Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: 50 Years as Cultural Ambassador to the World."

The exhibition, which opens on May 8 and remains on view through Sept. 6, is showcased in the foyer of the Performing Arts Reading Room, LM 113, of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. Exhibition hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The Musical Heritage of the Jews of Cochin is Subject of April 7 Program

In a program titled "The Women Who Kept the Songs from India to Israel: The Musical Heritage of Cochin," efforts to preserve the music of the Cochin region will be discussed by anthropologists Barbara C. Johnson and Smita Jassal, and linguist and literary scholar Scaria Zacharia. Sponsored jointly by the Asian Division and the Hebrew Language Table in cooperation with the Embassies of India and Israel, the program is free and open to the public at noon on Monday, April 7 in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress to Mark 50th Anniversary of Law Day With Panel Discussion on the Rule of Law on May 1

The Library of Congress will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Law Day with an examination of what the Rule of Law means to established and emerging countries. The panel discussion will be held at the Library at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 in the Northeast Hall and Pavilion on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

"Gardening for Ozone Air Quality" To Be Topic of Lecture at Library, April 8

Anne Douglass and Jeannie Allen from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center will present a program at the Library of Congress titled "Gardening for Ozone Air Quality (Citizen Science)" at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Holocaust Historian to Discuss Fate of Croatian Jewry

More than 60 years after World War II, new scholarship is still emerging on the fate of Jews in Europe. In 2002, Esther Gitman, a Croatian-born Holocaust survivor and historian, returned to her birthplace to study the rescue of 169 Jewish physicians and their families (650 people) by the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) from 1941-1945. She will discuss her research at noon on Tuesday, April 8, in the African and Middle Eastern Division Conference Room (LJ-220) located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

"Digital Natives" Lecture Series at Library of Congress

Young people today born into a digital world are experiencing a far different environment of information-gathering and access to knowledge than a generation ago. Who are these "digital natives" and what are they thinking? How are they using the technology, and are IT experts adequately responding to them?

These questions will be addressed in a new Library of Congress series titled "Digital Natives." The first lecture will explore how young people think, learn and play.

Thomas Jefferson Building Special Closures April 3 - 11

The Great Hall, exhibitions and Sales Shop in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be closed from Thursday, April 3 through Friday, April 11 in preparation for the opening of a new Library of Congress Experience for visitors. Ceremonies to celebrate the debut of the new Library of Congress Experience will begin at 11 a.m. on April 12. The Great Hall and exhibitions will reopen after the noon ribbon cutting.

Library Hosts an Afternoon of Spanish Poetry

The Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress will host an afternoon of Spanish poetry on April 11 featuring poets from Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean. Each poet will read a selection in Spanish, followed by an open discussion in English moderated by Dominican poet Rei Berroa of George Mason University.

"Library of Congress Experience" Debuts April 12

The Library of Congress–the largest library in the world and the oldest U.S. federal cultural institution–on Saturday, April 12, debuts an immersive, new "Library of Congress Experience," offering visitors unique historical and cultural treasures brought to life through cutting-edge interactive technology and a companion Web site.

Argentine-Jewish Relations Subject of Talk on March 25

Ra'anan Rein, professor of Latin American and Spanish history and vice-rector of Tel Aviv University, Israel will present a lecture titled "Searching for Home in Argentina and Israel: History and Identity Among Jewish Argentines and Argentine Israelis," on Tuesday, March 25, at noon in the West Dining Room, sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Women's History Month Events at the Library of Congress

To honor "the originality, beauty, imagination and multiple dimensions of women’s lives," the National Women’s History Project has chosen "Women’s Art: Women’s Vision" as the 2008 theme for National Women’s History Month. In keeping with the theme, the Library of Congress has invited Deborah L. Gaston, director of education at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, to deliver the keynote address at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

An Evening of Russian Poetry

The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will jointly host an evening of Russian poetry on April 7, featuring Evgeny Bunimovich, Elena Fanailova and Yuli Gugolev.

Hyperspectral Imaging and 1507 Map

Hyperspectral imaging is the process of taking digital photos of an object using distinct portions of the light spectrum. The process reveals what cannot be seen by the human eye. Preservation experts will discuss the history and development of such conservation-safe imaging and its recent application to the Waldseemüller 1507 World Map.

Roger Easton, a professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and Fenella G. France, a visiting scientist in the Preservation Research and Testing Division at the Library of Congress, will present the lecture from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 14, at the Library in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Center for the Book To Host Program About Deaf Perspectives On Library Research March 13

The Center for the Book, in partnership with the National Literary Society of the Deaf, a center reading-promotion partner, is hosting a program titled "Researching Amos Kendall: Adventures in Library Research, Literature and Literacy" on Thursday, March 13, at 11 a.m. in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. The program is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed.

Library of Congress and the American Musicological Society Announce New Lecture Series

The Music Division of the Library of Congress and the American Musicological Society, in joint partnership, will present a series of lectures highlighting musicological research conducted in the division’s collections.

Ad Reinhardt Cartoons

During World War II, American abstract expressionist painter Ad Reinhardt made a series of little-known but striking cartoon collages of Adolf Hitler. Reinhardt’s overlooked cartoon work will be discussed by Swann Foundation Fellow Prudence Peiffer in a lecture at the Library of Congress on March 18.

Fortune Cookie Chronicles

Who writes those little messages in fortune cookies and how do fortune cookie makers get their lucky numbers? For that matter, where did fortune cookies originate – should the U.S., China or Japan claim credit? Did General Tso cook his own chicken, and why was there a lawsuit over who invented chop suey? If our benchmark for Americanness is apple pie, why do so many Americans eat Chinese food far more often than they eat apple pie?

The answers to these and other fascinating questions will be explored by Jennifer 8. Lee (her middle name connotes "prosperity" in Chinese) on March 17, as she discusses her recent book "The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food."

Composers Chavez, Revueltas Subjects of Library Program

A symposium and concert series highlight the week-long mini-festival, "Two Faces of Mexican Music: Carlos Chávez and Silvestre Revueltas Revisited," March 12 – 15. The event is being co-sponsored by the Library’s Music, Hispanic and Rare Book and Special Collections divisions; the Mexican Cultural Institute; The Mexican Ministry of Culture; the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; and the Department of Film Programs at the National Gallery of Art.

Book Critic Michael Dirda Discusses Literary Classics

Michael Dirda will discuss and sign his book, "Classics for Pleasure," at noon on Thursday, March 6, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Witter Bynner Winners Read Their Poetry On March 6

Poet Laureate Charles Simic has chosen two new voices in poetry, business-development writer Matthew Thorburn and attorney Monica Youn, for the 2008 Witter Bynner Fellowships and will introduce the poets on March 6 at the Library of Congress.

Thorburn and Youn, both from New York City, will read from their works at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Poetry Reading By Raphael Cohen-Almagor on March 12

Long before Raphael Cohen-Almagor pursued an academic career, he was writing poetry. His first poems were accepted for publication when he was a teenager.

Written during his world travels, Cohen-Almagor’s latest book of poetry, "Masa’ot" ("Voyages"), focuses on people, places and intimacy. He will read selected verses – in Hebrew with English translations – at an event to be held at the Library of Congress at noon on Wednesday, March 12 in the African and Middle Eastern Division Conference Room (Room 220) located in the Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street S.E, Washington, D.C.

Art of Hebrew Translation Subject of March 26 Talk

The challenge of translating Hebrew literature into English will be discussed by Nicholas de Lange and Yaacob Dweck. They will introduce and read excerpts from their recent translations of works of modern Hebrew literature at a program to be held at the Library of Congress at noon on Wednesday, March 26 in the African and Middle Eastern Division Conference Room (Room 220), located in the Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street S.E. Washington, D.C. Their readings will include works by S. Yizhar and Haim Sabato.

Spring Poetry at Noon Series

The Spring 2008 Poetry at Noon readings will showcase poems about fathers and daughters, names and nicknames, and William Shakespeare. In addition, the series will include an open-mike event called "Poem in Your Pocket Day."

All readings will take place at noon in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The events are free and open to the public; no tickets are needed.

Mickey Edwards To Discuss New Book On Conservatism

In his new book, "Reclaiming Conservatism: How a Great American Political Movement Got Lost—And How It Can Find Its Way Back," Mickey Edwards argues that the mantle of conservatism has been taken over by people whose beliefs and policies threaten the entire constitutional system of government by gutting the system of checks and balances, abandoning due process and trampling upon civil liberties. He provides a blueprint for reclaiming the essence of conservatism in America.

Edwards will discuss his provocative book at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 in the Law Library’s Multimedia Room (Room 240) of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. A book sale and signing will follow the program.

2008 National Book Festival set for Sept. 27

The 2008 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 3rd and 7th streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine). The event is free and open to the public.

Library Presents Symposium on New Deal

Leading scholars from throughout the United States will join experts from the Library of Congress in the program, "Art, Culture, and Government: The New Deal at 75," on Thursday and Friday, March 13 – 14, at the Library of Congress.

Library Receives Book From Window of China Project

The Library of Congress has begun to receive donated books from the National Library of China through the Window of China Project. Founded in 2006, the Window of China Project donates books to national libraries and other institutions around the world.

To celebrate the Library’s participation in this project, a ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in the Asian Reading Room, Room 150 of the Thomas Jefferson Building located at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a small display of selected donated books.

Israeli Film Series Screens Three Films on Feb. 19

Three films produced by students at the Ma’ale School of Television, Film and the Arts in Jerusalem will be screened at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 19 in Dining Room A, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Where is Miss Columbia?

Ellen Berg, Swann Foundation fellow, will present "Where Have You Gone, Miss Columbia? American Identity and Uncle Sam’s Forgotten Partner," at noon on Wednesday, March 5, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations are required.

Berg’s illustrated lecture is based on research conducted at the Library of Congress during her fellowship awarded last year by the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon. Berg’s presentation is sponsored by the foundation, which is managed by the Library, and the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division.

Libary Celebrates Black History

Artistic Performances, Lectures and Comedy Revue Film Headline Library of Congress African American History Month Events
Web Site and Display Showcasing Library's Black Collections Kick Off Celebration

Libary Celebrates Black History

WWII Vet, Artist Tracy Sugarman Speaks at Library on Feb. 7

Award-winning author and illustrator Tracy Sugarman will give a visual presentation and discuss his new memoir, "Drawing Conclusions: An Artist Discovers His America," at a special program at noon on Thursday, Feb. 7, in Dining Room A of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The Druze Heritage is Subject of Feb. 7 Symposium

The Druze are a thousand-year-old religious community of the Middle East, whose members today live primarily in Lebanon, Syria and Israel, while others have emigrated to the United States, Europe and Africa. Their historical and intellectual legacy will be examined by 10 scholars from the U.S. and Middle East who will participate in a symposium to be held at the Library of Congress from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7 in Room LJ-119, located on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington D.C.

Lecture on Free Speech in a Democracy

Raphael Cohen-Almagor will discuss the theories about democracy outlined in his book at a lecture to be held at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 12 in Room 220 of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building located at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The lecture, sponsored by the African and Middle Eastern Division, is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required but seating is limited.

Alan Leshner To Discuss New Science of Addiction and What It Means to Society, March 4

Advances in science in recent decades have revolutionized the understanding of the nature of drug abuse and addiction and what society needs to do about them.

Alan Leshner, chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), will discuss the topic in a lecture titled "The New Science of Addiction and What It Means for Society" at the Library of Congress at noon on Tuesday, March 4, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Love Poems To Be Read At Library of Congress Feb. 12

Noted poet and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller, Sally Bliumis-Dunn and Benjamin Morris will read poems about love from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

1932 Election of FDR Subject of Book Talk Feb. 14

Donald A. Ritchie will discuss and sign his new book, “Electing FDR: The New Deal Campaign of 1932,” at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Contemporary African Art Exhibition is Subject of Jan. 30 Lecture

Tim Davis, owner and director of International Visions-The Gallery in Washington, D.C., will give an overview of the gallery’s exhibition "Africa Revisited" at a lecture titled "Conversations on African Cultural Expression." The lecture will be held at the Library of Congress at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 30, in Room 220 in the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Major League Tassa performs Indo-Caribbean drumming and dance

Homegrown Concert: Major League Tassa performs Indo-Caribbean drumming and dance from Queens, N.Y. No tickets are required. Noon, Coolidge Auditorium, Jefferson Building, Library of Congress.

Bestselling Author Michael B. Oren To Discuss "America in the Middle East" at the Library on Feb. 7

Michael B. Oren will discuss and sign his book "Power, Faith and Fantasy: America in the Middle East 1776 to the Present" at the Library of Congress at noon on Thursday, Feb. 7, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Visiting Fulbright Scholar Gives Lecture on Terrorism Trials

"Terrorism Trials - Some Experiences from US Allies" Presented by James Renwick

Date: January 14, 2008
Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
Location: Law Library Multimedia Room, LM 240 2nd floor, blue corridor James Madison Building Library of Congress

Seating is limited, reservations are required, R.S.V.P. to Alisa Carrel (acar@loc.gov) by Friday, January 11, 2008.

James Renwick, an Australian Barrister, is a visiting Fulbright Scholar at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

The Library of Congress Announces Spring 2008 Literary Season of Evening Poetry Events

The Library of Congress Spring 2008 Literary Season will include poetry readings by U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic and six other distinguished poets; the presentation of the Witter Bynner Poetry Fellowships in March; and the 2008 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry in April during National Poetry Month.

The readings will be Thursday, Feb. 7, with poets Li-Young Lee and David Kirby; Thursday, March 27, with Rodney Jones and Ellen Bryant Voigt; Thursday, April 24, with Charles Wright and former U.S. Poet Laureate Mark Strand; and Thursday, May 8, with Simic, who will also attend the March 27 and April 24 readings to introduce the poets.

Contemporary Significance of Confucianism is Subject of Jan. 24-25 Conference

Is a philosophical system born in China 2,500 years ago still relevant in the 21st century? A panel of scholars will attempt to answer this question in a symposium titled "The Contemporary Significance of Confucianism" to be held at the Library of Congress from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 in the Whittall Pavilion of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The second day of the conference will be held at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md.

“Nicholas Winton: The Power of Good” To Be Screened Jan. 29

The story of how one man made a difference in the lives of more than 600 children and their descendants is the subject of "Nicholas Winton: The Power of Good," an Emmy Award-winning film by Matej Minac. The film about the man known as "The British Schindler" will be shown at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 29 , in the Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Economic Historian Herman Van der Wee To Discuss Globalization Through the Centuries, Jan. 17

Economic globalization is a new word for an old process, according to economic historian Herman Van der Wee, holder of the Chair of the Countries and Cultures of the North in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

The U.S. Financial Siege of Japan Before Pearl Harbor To Be Discussed By Edward S. Miller on Jan. 15

Was the bombing of Pearl Harbor an unprovoked attack on the United States? According to a new book by Edward S. Miller, the Japanese motivation stemmed from U.S. plans to defeat Japan economically in the years before World War II.

Miller will discuss his book, "Bankrupting the Enemy: The U.S. Financial Siege of Japan Before Pearl Harbor" at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Whittall Pavilion on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The Parking Garage and Its Impact on Urban Planning To Be Discussed at the Library of Congress on Jan. 15

The parking garage, often considered a dull and forgettable structure, is a crucial element of building design and urban planning.

Architect Shannon Sanders McDonald will discuss "Designing for Man, Machine and Movement: The Parking Garage" at the Library of Congress at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the West Dining Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Forthcoming Events at the Library of Congress

Public events at the Libray of Congress for January - April 2008

Jewish Folktales are the Subject of Book Talk on Jan. 31

Rita Roth will deliver an illustrated lecture based on her book "The Power of Song and Other Sephardic Tales" at noon on Monday, Jan. 31, in the African and Middle Eastern Division Conference Room, located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street S.E., Washington D.C. The lecture, which is sponsored by the Hebraic Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division, is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Book of Psalms is Subject of Jan. 17 Lecture By Author Debra Band

he Book of Psalms is probably the best-known book of the Hebrew Bible. In her new book, "I Will Wake the Dawn: Illuminated Psalms," author and artist Debra Band has selected 36 of the most well-known of the 150 psalms to interpret and illustrate.

Band will deliver an illustrated lecture based on the book at noon on Thursday, Jan. 17, in the African and Middle Eastern Division Reading Room, located on the second floor of the Thomas Jefferson building at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. The lecture, which is sponsored by the Hebraic Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division, is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

"Pirates and Corsairs" Subject of Symposium on Dec. 8

An all-day symposium, "Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature," will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Mumford Room, sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Exhibition Begins Transformation of Public Spaces Through Merger of Knowledge, Technology

A new exhibition opening Dec. 13 marks the beginning of a months-long transformation of public spaces in the Library of Congress’s Thomas Jefferson Building into an experience for visitors that merges cutting-edge technology with the knowledge and inspiration embodied in the Library’s unparalleled collections and curators.

Gandydancer Performs as Part of the American Folklife Center's Homegrown Concert Series

Gandydancer performs old-time string band music from West Virginia, another in the Homegrown 2007 Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center, at noon in the Coolidge Auditorium. No tickets are required.

New Book on the Making of Liberia To Be Featured at Books and Beyond Talk at the Library on Dec. 10

Marie Tyler-McGraw will present her arguments on the national and international significance of Virginia’s investment in Liberian colonization, discuss her research and sign her book, "An African Republic: Black and White Virginians in the Making of Liberia," at noon on Monday, Dec. 10, in the West Dining Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E.

Law Library of Congress To Host Dec. 3 Panel Discussion With Experts On "Extraordinary Rendition" and the Constitution

After 9/11, the Bush administration engaged in what is called "extraordinary rendition"— the transfer of suspected terrorists to countries known to employ harsh interrogation techniques that may rise to the level of torture. The impact of these policies on constitutional principles is the subject of a panel discussion to be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 in the West Dining Room of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Law Library, the program is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Poet Laureate Charles Simic to Introduce Poets Jorie Graham and James Tate, Dec. 6

U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic will introduce Pulitzer Prize-winning poets Jorie Graham and James Tate, who will read from their works at the Library of Congress on Dec. 6.

The reading will start at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 in the Montpelier Room, on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets are needed.

Ronald Florence To Discuss New Book on History of Arab-Israeli Conflict on Dec. 3

Ronald Florence will discuss his book "Lawrence and Aaronsohn: T. E. Lawrence, Aaronsohn, and the Seeds of the Arab-Israel Conflict" at the Library of Congress at noon on Monday, Dec. 3 in the Mary Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The lecture, which is sponsored jointly by the Hebraic Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division and the Hebrew Language Table, is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Symposium on 150th Anniversary of J & R Lamb Studios at Library of Congress, Nov. 28

Art and architectural historians and design community insiders will assemble at the Library of Congress for a symposium on Nov. 28 celebrating 150 years of J & R Lamb Studios, America's oldest continuously-run decorative arts firm, which preceded and influenced the studios of both John LaFarge and Louis C. Tiffany.

Religious Rights of Native Americans is Subject of Law Panel on Nov. 28

During the past four decades, Congress has enacted legislation to protect the religious and civil rights of Native Americans, but tribal communities have achieved fewer victories through litigation in the state courts.

This disparity is the subject of a panel discussion titled "Indian Religious Freedom, to Litigate or Legislate," to be held at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the West Dining Room of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The History and Curse of the Hope Diamond To Be Discused at the Library on Nov. 16

Richard Kurin, director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, will discuss and sign his book "Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem" at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

William F. May To Discuss "Containing Fear in Foreign Policy" at the Library of Congress Nov. 29

"Containing Runaway Fear in Foreign Policy: Recovering Our National Identity" will be discussed by William F. May, holder of the Cary and Ann Maguire Chair in American History and Ethics, at the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

"Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil" Discussed at Library of Congress, Nov. 28

Timothy J. Barger and Thomas W. Lippman will examine this significant period in history when they discuss a book at the Library of Congress by the late, award-winning author Wallace Stegner titled "Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil."

History of FBI Counterintelligence Is Topic of Lecture at the Library On Nov. 8

Raymond J. Batvinis will discuss and sign his new book, "The Origins of FBI Counterintelligence," at noon on Thursday, Nov. 8, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Shakespeare's Genealogies To Be Discussed On Nov. 7

Vanessa James will discuss and sign her latest book, "Shakespeare’s Genealogies: Plots and Illustrated Family Trees for All 42 Works," at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Writers From Iowa's International Writing Program Will Read Their Works, Nov. 15

Writers from the distinguished International Writing Program at the University of Iowa will read from their works at the Library of Congress at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC.

New Center for the Book Publication To Be Featured at Book History Symposium on Nov. 2

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the University of Massachusetts Press has published "Agent of Change: Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth L. Eisenstein." A symposium featuring several of the contributors to the volume will be held on Friday, Nov. 2, from 2 – 5 p.m., in the Mumford Room, sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., Washington, D.C.

Tribute To Writer, Philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis on Nov. 1

The Library of Congress and the Embassy of Greece will celebrate Nikos Kazantzakis, considered one of the most important Greek writers, poets and philosophers of the 20th century, in a tribute on November 1.

Poets from MacDowell Colony To Read on Nov. 8

In celebration of The MacDowell Colony’s 100th anniversary, three poets will read from their works and from the poetry of three U.S. Poet Laureates, all alumni of the famous writers’ and artists’ residency workshop in New Hampshire.

"The Nuts & Bolts of Historical Fiction" To Be Discussed by Novelist David L. Robbins, Oct. 24

David Robbins will present "The Nuts & Bolts of Historical Fiction" at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 24, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. The lecture is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed. "The Assassins Gallery" will be available for purchase, and Robbins will sign books after the presentation.

ALA President Loriene Roy To Speak on Nov. 2

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy will deliver a lecture at noon on Friday, Nov. 2, in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The MacDowell Colony Is Subject of New Book To Be Discussed on Oct. 30

The Library’s commemoration of the centennial of The MacDowell Colony continues at noon on Tuesday, Oct. 30, when senior music specialist Robin Rausch discusses and signs the book "A Place for the Arts: The MacDowell Colony, 1907-2007" in the Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave.S.E., Washington, D.C.

W.S. Merwin, Winner of the Bobbitt Poetry Prize, Will Read, Oct. 31

Celebrated poet W.S. Merwin will receive the 2006 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry and read selections of his work at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

"The Last Jews of Libya" To Be Shown at the Library of Congress on Nov. 5

More than 36,000 Jews lived in Libya at the end of World War II, but not a single one remains today. "The Last Jews of Libya," which documents the final decades of a centuries-old Sephardic Jewish community, will be shown at noon on Monday, Nov. 5.

Rep. Tom Cole To Deliver Native American Heritage Keynote Address on Nov. 6

On Nov. 6, five years to the day after being elected to represent Oklahoma’s 4th congressional district, Rep. Tom Cole will deliver the keynote address for the Library’s 2007 celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 2 p.m. in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Center for the Book To Host Program on Library Accessibility on Oct. 17

Architect John P.S. Salmen and librarians Nancy Davenport and Rosemary Kelly will discuss how libraries are working to improve services for patrons who have disabilities at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E.

Concert: Sacred Lap Steel Guitar with Aubrey Ghent Oct. 17

The American Folklife Center presents Aubrey Ghent, who has been playing guitar and sacred lap steel for over thirty-eight years. He has continued his great family legacy of the lap steel style for thirty-eight years and has been named the "Master Lap Steel Guitarist." Ghent recorded on the Arhoolie roots label for six years and has several recorded selections on each of the label's Sacred Steel volumes.

Celebrated Cookbook Editor Judith Jones To Speak on Nov. 5

Judith Jones, author of "The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food," will start her talk at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Celebrates 400 Years of Hispanic Poetry in the United States on Oct. 18

Spanish literature in the United States can be traced back to the early days of Spanish settlements in the Southwest. To celebrate the rich history and contemporary creativity of Spanish-language literature, the Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress presents four Hispanic writers who will read from their work on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Mary Pickford Theater, third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E, Washington, D.C.

Aviation Historian Tom Crouch To Discuss Aeronautics Collections, Oct. 24

Tom Crouch will discuss the Library of Congress collections, and his many hours searching through materials, in a lecture titled "Aeronautics at the Library of Congress: Forty Years of One User’s Experience." The talk will start at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress To Host 12th Annual Meeting of the International Comic Arts Forum, Oct. 18-20

The Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress will host the 12th annual meeting of the International Comic Arts Forum (ICAF), which will feature the Malaysian cartoonist Lat, the versatile comic artist Kyle Baker and many comic art scholars from around the world.

Martin Meredith To Discuss His New Book on the Making of South Africa on Oct. 11

British historian and journalist Martin Meredith will discuss and sign his new book, "Diamonds, Gold, and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa" at noon on Thursday, Oct. 11, in the Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library's Map Treasures Are Highlighted in "Cartographia"

Vincent Virga and co-author Ron Grim will discuss "Cartographia" as part of the Library’s Books & Beyond author series at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The program, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored jointly by the Center for the Book, the Geography and Map Division and the Publishing Office. For more information, contact the Center for the Book at (202) 707-5221.

"Observing, Fighting and Mitigating Damage from Wildfires" To Be Discussed on Oct. 17

Compton J. Tucker will discuss "Observing, Fighting and Mitigating Damage from Wildfires" at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Jews of Cochin and South India are Subject of Lecture and Display

Kenneth X. Robbins will discuss the Jews of Cochin and South India from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, in the Library’s Mary Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the James Madison Building at 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored jointly by the Library’s Asian Division, Asian Division Friends Society, B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum, Embassy of India, Friends of Indian Arts, LCPA Hebrew Language Table and the University of Maryland’s Office of International Programs, the program is free and open to the public. However, seating is limited. Online registration is required by Friday, Oct. 5 at www.lcasianfriends.org/event/JewsofCochin.

Congressman Major Owens and Distinguished Panel To Discuss "A New Challenge to Black Congressional Caucus"

What did Ossie Davis envision in 1971 when he proclaimed to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) that "it’s not the man, it’s the plan"? In a special forum on Oct. 1 at the Library of Congress, Congressman Major Owens will host a distinguished panel of U.S. representatives and political scientists in a discussion of his forthcoming book, "The Peacock Elite: A Subjective Case Study of the Congressional Black Caucus and Its Impact on National Politics."

The forum will start at noon on Monday, Oct. 1, in the Members’ Room on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed.

Plans for an Asian Pacific American Collection Are Subject of Oct. 4-5 Conference

The Asian Division of the Library of Congress will host a "National Conference on Establishing an Asian Pacific American Collection in the Library of Congress." The conference will be held from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4 and Friday, Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Whittall Pavilion of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature To Be Presented on Oct. 6

Authors Margarita Engle and Jennifer Riesmeyer Elvgren and illustrators Sean Qualls and Nicole Tadgell will receive the 2006 Americas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature at the 14th annual award presentation hosted by the Library of Congress from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 6, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Poet Laureate Charles Simic Opens Literary Season with a Reading, Oct. 18

Charles Simic, the new Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress, known for his vivid imagery and excellent craftsmanship, will open the Library’s 2007-08 literary season with a reading on Oct. 18.

Poetry at Noon Series Features "Magic and Magicians" and "Four South Carolina Poets" on Oct. 9 and Dec. 6

Poets will explore the mystery and allure of magic and magicians and the beauty of South Carolina during two Poetry at Noon readings at the Library of Congress.

Jefferson Building Special Closures, Sept. 14 and Sept. 28

Public access to the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be limited on two dates in September.

Law Library of Congress and the Constitution Project To Mark Constitution Day with Sept. 17 Panel Discussion

The Law Library of Congress and the Constitution Project will mark Constitution Day with a bipartisan panel discussion at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, in the Montpelier Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

"Holy Moses! A Cultural History of the Ten Commandments" To Be Presented by Jenna Weissman Joselit on Oct. 11

Jenna Weissman Joselit, a Princeton University professor who spent the summer as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the John W. Kluge Center, will wrap up her research with a lecture titled "Holy Moses! A Cultural History of the Ten Commandments in Modern America."

Joselit will present the talk at the Library of Congress at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event, sponsored by the Library’s Kluge Center, is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Congressman Xavier Becerra To Deliver Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote

Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.), who serves as assistant to the speaker, will deliver the keynote address for the Library’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Charles A. Kupchan To Discuss U.S. Foreign Policy and the Collapse of Bipartisanship, Sept. 20

Charles A. Kupchan, holder of the Henry Alfred Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library of Congress, will discuss the topic in a lecture titled "Dead Center: The Collapse of Bipartisanship and Its Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 20, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

U.S.-Armenian Relations Is Subject of 13th Annual Vardanants Day Program on Sept. 28

Former ambassadors to Armenia Harry Gilmore (1993-95), Peter Tomsen (1995-98), Michael Lemmon (1998-2001), John Ordway (2001-04) and John Evans (2005-06) will discuss their roles in establishing U.S.-Armenian relations following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Law Library of Congress To Host Sept. 12 Panel Discussion with Experts on National Security and the Constitution

In the aftermath of 9/11, measures were taken to formulate and implement a national security program. The impact of these policies on constitutional principles is the subject of a panel discussion to be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 12, in the Law Library’s Multimedia Room, located in Room 240 of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The Ambassador of Mexico To Speak on Sept. 17

Arturo Sarukhan, Mexican ambassador to the United States since 2006, will present a lecture on "The Future of Relations Between Mexico and the United States" on Monday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Mumford Room, sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C.

"West Side Story: Birth of a Classic" Opens on Sept. 26

Fifty years ago, on September 26, 1957, "West Side Story" opened on Broadway. The show went on to become a landmark musical in a league with works such as "Show Boat" and "Oklahoma!" The Library of Congress celebrates the golden anniversary of this historic musical with "West Side Story: Birth of a Classic."

Library of Congress Announces 2007-2008 Concert Season

The Library of Congress presents a dazzling concert roster in its 82nd season, with 40 superb chamber music, jazz, country, pop, rock and roll and world music events. Unveiling a gallery of composer portraits, from Carlos Chavez and Silvestre Revueltas to Fred Hersch, the historic free series showcases new music across the American soundscape. Seven of the world’s leading chamber orchestras, period and contemporary, give concertgoers the chance to hear a Haydn symphony, a Mozart concerto—plus contemporary works by composers like Harrison Birtwistle, Alfred Schnittke, Aphex Twin and The Shaggs—in the extraordinary acoustics of the Coolidge Auditorium. Wrapping up the season is a tapfest tribute to the famous American tapper William “Bojangles” Robinson.

Jonathan Knee To Provide Inside Look at Investment Banking on Sept. 17

A behind-the-scenes look at Wall Street and the world of investment banking will be the focus of a lecture at the Library of Congress by Jonathan Knee, author of "The Accidental Investment Banker."

Knee will speak at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 17, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Free and open to the public, the event is sponsored by the Library’s Science, Technology and Business Division.

Public Events at the Library of Congress

A listing of public events at the Library of Congress September through December.

Kay Kaufman Shelemay Discusses Ethiopian American Music on Sept. 6

"Music in the Ethiopian American Diaspora: A Preliminary Overview" will be presented at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Hosts Fifth Annual Movie Day on Aug. 11

Home movies from the Library of Congress collection and screenings of films brought by the public will be featured at the fifth annual Washington D.C. Home Movie Day to be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, in the Pickford Theater, 3rd floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Israeli Film Series Presents "Code Name: Bayonet" on Sept. 5

Directed by Rob Maiberg, "Code Name: Bayonet" (2006) exposes for the first time the real story of the Mossad’s top secret "Bayonet" unit, which was responsible for Israel’s retaliation. As part of the Library’s continuing Israeli Film Series, the documentary will be screened at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 5, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Library’s Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division and the Hebrew Language Table in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel, the screening is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

"American Treasures of the Library of Congress" To Close on Aug. 18

After 10 years on display, "American Treasures of the Library of Congress," an unprecedented exhibition of rare and unique items in the nation’s library, will close on Aug. 18.

Health Expert Pamela Peeke To Discuss "Fit To Live" on Aug. 2

Have you indulged in too many hot dogs and ice cream cones this summer? Failed to carry out the well-meant exercise program? It might be time to heed the advice of Pamela Peeke, the medical doctor who recently published "Fit to Live: The Five-Point Plan to Be Lean, Strong and Fearless for Life."

Peeke will discuss her new book at the Library of Congress at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Library’s Science, Technology and Business Division, the event is free and open to the public; tickets are not needed.

Library of Congress Announces Award-Winning Authors To Participate in Seventh Annual National Book Festival

he 2007 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by Mrs. Laura Bush, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets (rain or shine). The festival is free and open to the public.

The End of European Colonial Empires To Be Discussed by William Roger Louis, July 10

One of the great themes of 20th century history is the end of European colonial empires. William Roger Louis, founding director of the National History Center, will discuss the topic in a lecture at the Library of Congress.

The talk will start at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Free and open to the public, the event is sponsored by the Library’s John W. Kluge Center and the National History Center, and is presented in conjunction with the History Center’s Second International Research Seminar on Decolonization, held in Washington, D.C., from July 9 through Aug. 4.

Crawford Young To Speak on the African Colonial State on July 25

Crawford Young, a distinguished scholar on Africa and professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, will discuss "The African Colonial State and the Encounter with Decolonization" at the Library of Congress on July 25.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will start at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

"The State of the Book Industry in 2007" Is Topic of Center for the Book Program on June 28

What is the long-term effect of consolidation in the publishing industry? What are the latest sales trends in publishing and in the library market? How is the digital environment changing the book industry?

Such questions will be addressed and discussed by economists Albert N. Greco and Robert M. Wharton at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 28, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Origins of Life and Universe To Be Discussed by Nobel Scientists John Mather and Craig Mello, July 26

Two 2006 Nobel Prize winners will address the fundamental questions pondered by many through the ages: the origins of life and the universe.

Free and open to the public, the event, "On the Origins of Life and the Universe: An Afternoon with 2006 Nobel Laureates Craig Mello and John Mather," will be held at the Library of Congress from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. Tickets and reservations are not required, but seating is limited. The program will be webcast live at www.loc.gov.

Best-Selling Author Michael Blake To Speak June 25

Novelist, screenwriter and activist Michael Blake will discuss and sign his new book, "Indian Yell: The Heart of an American Insurgency," at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 25, in the West Dining Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

"City Lights, Spy Satellites and Urban Sprawl" To Be Discussed on June 27

Marc L. Imhoff will discuss "City Lights, Spy Satellites and Urban Sprawl" at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Two Lectures By Kluge Fellow Suk-Young Kim Offer Insight on North Korean Culture and Politics

Suk-Young Kim, a fellow at the John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress, will present two programs that provide insight on North Korean culture, politics and the leadership of Kim Jong-il, on June 26 and June 27.

New Biography of Robert E. Lee To Be Discussed on June 12

Elizabeth Brown Pryor will discuss and sign her new book, "Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters," at noon on Tuesday, June 12, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Landscape Designer Jane MacLeish Discusses Fresh Perspective on Gardening, June 7

With planting season in high gear, diligent gardeners could be tired of using the same old flowers, shrubs and patterns of display. Residential landscape designer Jane MacLeish will offer a fresh perspective on gardening in a lecture at the Library of Congress on June 7.

MacLeish will speak at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event, sponsored by the Library’s Science, Technology and Business Division, is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Francille Rusan Wilson To Discuss Black Labor Historians on June 13

A nationally known historian, Francille Wilson will discuss and sign her book, "The Segregated Scholars: Black Social Scientists and the Creation of Black Labor Studies, 1890-1950," at noon on Wednesday, June 13, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Cecelia Tichi Discusses Social Reformer Julia Lathrop on June 28

Julia Lathrop’s career and significance as a political force is the subject of a lecture at the Library of Congress by Cecelia Tichi, holder of the Chair of Modern Culture in the John W. Kluge Center.

Tichi will discuss "Justice, Not Pity: Julia Lathrop, First Chief of the U.S. Children’s Bureau" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Kluge Center, the event is free and open to the public; no tickets are needed.

Carl Haber To Discuss Capturing Recorded Sound Through Digital Imaging on June 18

The Library of Congress, in an effort to preserve its collections of recorded sound, is now evaluating a prototype device to extract sound from phonograph records through digital imaging.

Scientist Carl Haber will discuss this project, referred to as I.R.E.N.E. (Image, Reconstruct, Erase Noise, etc.), from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 18, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Season's Final Reading Will Feature D.C. Poet Laureate Dolores Kendrick and Poet Philip Levine

Washington, D.C., Poet Laureate Dolores Kendrick and Philip Levine will read their poetry at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, in the Coolidge Auditorium on the ground level of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Jim Crawford and Samuel Fromartz To Discuss Organic Farming on May 23

Almost from the inception of the organic food movement there has been conflict between the mom-and-pop farmers and large-scale retailers. Farmer Jim Crawford and business journalist Samuel Fromartz will explore this dichotomy and other organic farming issues in a lecture at the Library of Congress.

The discussion will start at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event, sponsored by the Library’s Science, Technology and Business Division, is free and open to the public; no reservations are needed.

Commercialization of Academic Research To Be Topic of Lecture and Panel Discussion, May 24

There is much debate about the growth of commercialization of academic research results. Does it threaten a university’s principal mission?

The topic will be discussed in a lecture and panel discussion titled "Commercializing University Research—Threats and Opportunities—The Oxford University Model" at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Shigemi Inaga To Discuss Western Influence on Japanese Art on June 7

Contact with the West transformed art in Japan during the first half of the 20th century, especially in the works of the painter Asai Chu (1856-1907) and the ceramicist and teacher Yagi Kazuo (1918-1979), according to Shigemi Inaga.

Inaga, who holds the Chair of Modern Culture at the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, will give a lecture titled "Modern Japanese Arts and Crafts in Kyoto: From Asai Chu to Yagi Kazuo" at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Library’s Kluge Center, the event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Library of Congress To Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Lectures and Web Site

With a national theme of “The American Jewish Experience: Celebrating Religious Pluralism, Cultural Diversity and Commitment to American Civic Culture,” the second annual Jewish American Heritage Month will be celebrated by the Library of Congress with public lectures and a new Web presentation.

Israeli Composer To Deliver Lecture Titled "Composing the Holocaust" on May 17

More than 60 years after the end of World War II, a growing number of artists are depicting the tragic events of the Holocaust through the performing arts.

Israeli composer Ella Milch-Sheriff, whose parents are Holocaust survivors, is one such artists whose operatic and orchestral works deal with this grave subject matter. She will discuss and show segments from her works in an audiovisual presentation titled "Composing the Holocaust" at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, in the Whittall Pavilion, located on the ground floor of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Poet Robert Hass To Host River of Words Ceremony on May 15

Robert Hass, former U.S. Poet Laureate, returns to the Library of Congress to moderate a program honoring the student winners of the annual River of Words environmental poetry and art contest at 10 a.m. on Tuesday May 15, in Room 119 on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street, S.E. in Washington, D.C.

Armenian Directors Rouben Mamoulian and Sergei Paradjanov Are Subject of Documentaries Making Their American Premieres at the Library on May 10 and May 11

French director Patrick Cazals will discuss his new documentaries "Rouben Mamoulian: The Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood" and "Sergei Paradjanov: The Rebel" following their American premieres at the Library of Congress on May 10 and May 11, respectively. These events are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

Keynote by Sen. Daniel Inouye Headlines Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Events

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the third most senior member of the U.S. Senate, will deliver the keynote address for the Library’s 2007 celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The American Folklife Center Presents Symposium as Part of Rediscover Northern Ireland Program in May

WHAT: A half-day symposium, "All Through the North, As I Walked Forth …," features discussions on Irish place names, folklife and landscape.

WHO: Kay Muhr, Northern Ireland Place Names Project at Queen’s University in Belfast, presents a talk on "Richard Bartlett and Place-Names in His Maps of Ulster, 1600-1603"; and Henry Glassie, professor at Indiana University in Bloomington, lectures on "Ballymenone: The Power of Place and the Riddle of History."

WHEN: Wednesday, May 16, at 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mumford Room, sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Public Events at the Library of Congress

Forthcoming events at the Library of Congress for May through August.

Paul Wilson Discusses His Translation of Václav Havel's Book, "To the Castle and Back," on May 17

Paul Wilson will discuss his English translation of former Czech Republic President Václav Havel’s recently published book "To the Castle and Back," at the Library of Congress on May 17.

Images of Irish-American Immigrants Featured in Lecture by Swann Fellow on May 15

Swann Foundation Fellow Sharrona Pearl will discuss depictions of Irish-American immigrants in mid-19th century prints and analyze the ambiguous nature of the graphic imagery, on May 15 at the Library of Congress.

Pearl will present the lecture, titled "Black and White: Drawing the Irish-American Immigrant in Shades of Grey," at noon on Tuesday, May 15, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, DC.

"Perspectives on Childhood and the Law" is Subject of May 1 Law Day Program

The Law Library of the Library of Congress and the American Bar Association (ABA) Division for Public Education will commemorate Law Day with a panel discussion on "Perspectives on Childhood and the Law."

The event will be held from 4:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, in Madison Hall, located on the first floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. The program is free and open to the public, but attendees must register in advance at www.abanet.org/publiced/jaworski.html.

Jefferson Building Closing Early, April 30

On Monday, April 30, the Great Hall, exhibitions and Sales Shop in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be closed to the public beginning at noon.

Star-Studded Lineup Confirmed for Library of Congress Concert Honoring Gershwin Prize Recipient Paul Simon

A star-studded cast of performers and presenters has been confirmed, with more to come, to pay tribute to Paul Simon as he receives the first annual Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on Wednesday, May 23 at 8 p.m. at the Warner Theatre located at 1299 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

2007 National Book Festival To Be Held Sept. 29

The 2007 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by first lady Laura Bush, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine). The festival is free and open to the public.

Symposium on HIV and Hepatitis Vaccines To Be Held on May 10

Distinguished health and medical experts will participate in a symposium addressing critical issues on the challenges of developing an HIV vaccine and ensuring the eradication of Hepatitis B, on May 10 at the Library of Congress.

The symposium, titled "Combating HIV and Hepatitis B," will coincide with World AIDS Vaccine Day on May 18 and Hepatitis Awareness Week, May 7-11.

The program will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, in Room 119 of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. The experts will focus on HIV in the morning and on Hepatitis B at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required. The symposium will be cybercast live at www.loc.gov.

Arnold Rampersad To Discuss His New biography of Ralph Ellison on May 3

Arnold Rampersad will discuss and sign his book, "Ralph Ellison: A Biography" at noon on Thursday, May 3 in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress To Receive Original Manuscript of Composition by Teen Prodigy Jay Greenberg

The original manuscript of "Quintet for Strings," written by 15-year-old composer Jay Greenberg, will be given to the Library of Congress at an April 27 concert benefiting the Project Harmony Child Protection Center in Omaha, Neb. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington will accept the gift from Greenberg at the conclusion of its performance the night of the concert.

New Film Series "Screening Shakespeare" Is Inspired By the Bard

The Library of Congress continues its participation in the Shakespeare festival with a new film series titled "Screening Shakespeare," made possible by a generous grant from The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, Inc. The series of more than 70 films and television shows inspired by the Bard’s works will be shown from April 20 through Aug. 31, in the Mary Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building located at 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The films are free and open to the public but reservations are required; call 202-707-5677 one week before each show). A complete schedule of films can be found at www.loc.gov/rr/mopic/pickford/shakespeare2007.html.

Women in the Indian Subcontinent Are the Focus of April 20 Symposium

Women in the Indian subcontinent are often associated with the smiling, singing and dancing actresses who appear in Bollywood films (Indian cinema). However, throughout history women in that region have played a significant role in the political, religious and cultural life of their society.

The contributions of these women are the subject of a symposium titled "Patronage and Power: Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent," which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, in the Members Room on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required. For a complete program of the day’s events, visit www.lcasianfriends.org/event/symposium.

New Library Publications Feature the Architecture and Engineering of Lighthouses and Bridges

The Library of Congress and W.W. Norton & Company will celebrate the publication of "Lighthouses" and "Bridges" with a special program to be held 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 9, in Madison Hall, located on the first floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The program is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

First-Ever Joint Reading By U.S. and British Poets Laureate on May 10

U.S. Poet Laureate Donald Hall and British Poet Laureate Andrew Motion will participate in a historic series of joint poetry readings in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and London, sharing the stage for the first time and reacquainting the poetries of America and the United Kingdom.

The readings, which will take place in Chicago on May 7; Washington, D.C., on May 10; and London on June 6 are sponsored jointly by the Library of Congress, the Poetry Foundation and the London-based Poetry Society.

Yu Ying-Shih, Winner of 2006 Kluge Prize, To Discuss China on April 24 and April 26

Distinguished historian Yu Ying-shih, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, will present talks on China at the Library of Congress on April 24 and April 26.

"Shakespeare's Birthday Reading" on April 17

William Shakespeare’s 443rd birthday will be duly celebrated at the Library of Congress with a reading of his works by six professional actors from the Shakespeare Theater Company’s Academy for Classical Acting.

The reading, at noon on Tuesday, April 17, will occur nearly a week earlier than the Bard’s official birthday of April 23. The event will take place in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C., and is free and open to the public. Tickets are not needed.

"Food Politics: What to Eat in Today's Era of Food Anxiety" To Be Discussed on April 18

Marion Nestle, a New York University professor of nutrition, will speak on "Food Politics: What to Eat in Today’s Era of Food Anxiety," at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, in the Mumford Room, on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Blvd. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Swann Fellow to Lecture on William Hogarth and the Art of Gesture April 10

Swann Foundation Fellow Hope Saska will explore the connection between the popular graphic satire of William Hogarth, whose art presented amusing yet cautionary tales of human behavior, and the staging of theatrical productions in the 18th century, in a lecture at the Library of Congress on April 10.

Saska will present the lecture, titled "Of Attitude and Action: William Hogarth and the Art of Gesture," at noon on Tuesday, April 10, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

A Capella Choir Cantus To Perform on March 30

Cantus, a nine-member, all-male chamber chorus from Minneapolis, performs in concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 30, in the Coolidge Auditorium. Preceding the concert will be a panel discussion titled "Men, Let’s Sing: Choral Music for Men’s Voices" at 6:15 p.m. in the Whittall Pavilion. Both locations are on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 101 First Street, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Award-Winning Documentary "Sisters in Law" To Be Screened on April 4

The film will be shown at the Library of Congress at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in the Mary Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Margaret Lazarus, social activist and filmmaker, and Pascal Ewane Akame, human rights lawyer and specialist in Cameroonian law. A reception in the foyer of the Pickford Theater will follow the discussion.

History of U.S.-Japan Cultural Exchange Is Subject of April 6 Symposium

In conjunction with the Cherry Blossom Festival in the nation’s capital (March 31-April 15, 2007), the Asian Division of the Library of Congress and the Embassy of Japan will host a symposium titled "Highlights of U.S.-Japan Relationship: History, Cultural Exchange and Future Development" from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6, in the Members’ Room (LJ-162) of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. In cooperation with Hitachi Ltd., Hitachi Metals America Ltd. and All Nippon Airways, the symposium is free and open to the public.

Scenes from "Golgotha To Be Performed on April 20

Israeli actor Victor Attar, playing the role of Greek Holocaust survivor Albert Salvado, will read selectively from a one-man play by Shmuel Refael titled "Golgotha" at noon on Friday, April 20, in the Mary Pickford Theater, located on the third floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Former Oklahoma Representative Mickey Edwards To Speak on March 29

In celebration of its 175 years of service to Congress and the nation, the Law Library of Congress is launching a yearlong series of events designed to celebrate its achievements and showcase its unparalleled resources.

Among these celebratory events is a Legal Speaker Series with a theme of "National Security and the Rule of Law," which will feature renowned speakers from Congress, academia and the media.

The inaugural lecture in the series will be delivered by former Representative Mickey Edwards (R-Okla.) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, in the Whittall Pavilion of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C. All lectures in the series are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Dates for future lectures are June 28, Sept. 20 and Dec. 13.

15th Century Uzbek Author Mir Ali Shir (Navoi) Is Subject of March 27 Symposium

During the 15th century, Mir Ali Shir (1441-1501) was the major literary figure among the Central Asian Turkic peoples, the ancestors of today’s Uzbeks. His life, work and legacy will be the focus of a symposium to be held at the Library of Congress from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, in Room LJ-119, located on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Presents Schedule of Programs Highlighting Northern Ireland, March-May

From its population of more than one and a half million people, Northern Ireland has produced many remarkable musicians, artists and folklorists living and working in the world today. The Library of Congress will present several events featuring such notables throughout March, April and May as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program co-sponsored by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Council (DCAL) of Northern Ireland.

"Honey Bees, Satellites and Climate Change" To Be Discussed, April 3

Wayne Esaias, a biological oceanographer with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, will present "Honey Bees, Satellites and Climate Change" at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Law Library of Congress and Tufts University To Present Mock Congressional Oversight Committee Hearing on March 22

WHAT: The Law Library of Congress and Tufts University will present a Mock Congressional Oversight Committee Hearing. The theme is "Inherent Presidential Powers and the Constitution: National Security, Personal Liberty and the Matter of National Security Agency Eavesdropping."

WHEN: Thursday, March 22, 2007, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; reception to follow

Montpelier Room, 6th floor, James Madison Building,101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

New Book About First U.S. Diplomat in French West Africa To Be Discussed on March 22

Stephen Grant will discuss and sign his new book, "Peter Strickland: New London Shipmaster, Boston Merchant, First Consul to Senegal" at noon on Thursday, March 22, in the Mary Pickford Theater on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington D.C.

Poet Laureate Chooses Two New Voices in American Poetry for 10th Annual Witter Bynner Award and Reading, March 29

Poet Laureate Donald Hall has chosen two new voices in poetry, college professor Laurie Lamon and newspaperman David Tucker, for the 2007 Witter Bynner Fellowships and will introduce the poets on March 29 at the Library of Congress.

Lamon, from Spokane, Wash., and Tucker, from South Orange, N.J., will read from their works at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Jutta Hipp is Topic of Lecture on March 27

Jazz historian Kate Kaiser presents a talk on "Jutta Hipp: Europe's First Lady of Jazz" at 7 p.m. in the Mary Pickford Theater, third floor, Madison Building, 101 Indpendence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Protestant Portuguese Immigration Topic of Lecture on March 16

Katherine Vaz, Briggs-Copeland Fellow in Fiction at Harvard University, discusses this migration during her lecture titled "Confessions of an Historical Novelist: Writing Fact and Fiction" at noon on Friday, March 16, in the Mary Pickford Theater, third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Bicentenary of Missionary Robert Morrison's Arrival in China Is Subject of March 15 Symposium

Contact between China and the Western world was limited prior to the early 19th century due to state policy and distance. Robert Morrison, a Protestant missionary, played a major role in building a bridge between the East and West when he traveled to China in 1807. The lasting impact of his pioneering efforts is the subject of a conference titled "A Bridge Between Cultures: Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Robert Morrison’s Arrival in China" to be held March 14-17 at the Library of Congress and the University of Maryland, College Park.

The conference, which is open to the public, is sponsored jointly by the Library’s Asian Division, the Centre for the Study of Christianity in China (Oxford, England), the University of Maryland and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) For a schedule of events and registration information, visit the Centre’s Web site at http://cscic.com/Academic-Activities, or send an e-mail inquiry to morrison@gmail.com.

Exhibition of Contemporary Japanese Prints Starts March 29

"On the Cutting Edge: Contemporary Japanese Prints," an exhibition featuring 212 fine prints from the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) Print Show, will open at the Library of Congress on March 29, coinciding with the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

National Literary Society of the Deaf Becomes a Center for the Book Reading Promotion Partner

A program of public events marking the new partnership will be held on Tuesday, March 13, beginning at 11 a.m., in the West Dining Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.

Gerhard Casper To Discuss "Caesarism in Democratic Politics" March 22

President Emeritus of Stanford University Gerhard Casper, who recently occupied the Chair of American Law and Governance in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, will talk about "Caesarism in Democratic Politics: Reflections on Max Weber" on March 22.

The lecture will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, in Room 119 of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the Kluge Center, the event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

Keynote Address by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Headlines Women's History Month Events

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) will deliver the keynote address for the Library’s celebration of Women’s History Month at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14, in the Mumford Room, located on the sixth floor of the Library’s James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required.

Joseph Horowitz to Deliver Louis C. Elson Memorial Lecture March 7

Joseph Horowitz, author of "Classical Music in America: A History of Its Rise and Fall" (2005), presents the Louis C. Elson Memorial Lecture on "The Classical Music ‘Crisis’ and What To Do About It" on Wednesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium, ground floor, Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

John Hope Franklin, Winner of 2006 Kluge Prize, to Lecture at Library of Congress on March 6

Distinguished historian John Hope Franklin, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, will present a lecture titled "Where Do We Go from Here" at the Library of Congress on March 6, focusing on pressing domestic and foreign policy issues.

Sponsored by the Library’s John W. Kluge Center, the lecture will be at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required.

Women Composers From The MacDowell Colony To Be Featured in March 10 Concert

Among the women composers in residence at The MacDowell Colony were Gena Branscombe (1881-1977), Louise Talma (1906-1996) and Elizabeth Brown (1953- ), whose works will be performed at noon on Saturday, March 10 in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C., 20540. The concert, which is free and open to the public, features Katie Lansdale on violin, mezzo soprano Kathleen Shimeta, pianists Andrew Harley and Martin Hennessy, and piano duo Sharon Johnson and Nancy Davis.

New Novel On Dred Scott Is Topic of Lecture on March 6

Award-winning writer Mary E. Neighbour will discuss and sign "Speak Right On," her novel about Dred Scott, the former slave at the heart of the 1857 decision, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C. The program is free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are needed.

Life in South Africa to be Discussed at Library on Feb. 26

Nokuthula Mazibuko, South African author-director-teacher, presents "Life Stories and Memory Making in South Africa" in a program sponsored by the African and Middle Eastern Division at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, in Dining Room A, sixth floor of the Madison Building.

Best-Selling Mystery Writer Sara Paretsky To Speak on Feb. 27

Sara Paretsky will discuss and sign her most recent book, "Fire Sale," at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in the Montpelier Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Human Rights in Namibia to Be Discussed on Feb. 27

Chiku Mchombu, librarian with the Human Rights and Documentation Centre of the University of Namibia, discusses human rights and libraries in Namibia at 11:30 a.m. in LJ 220.

The Power of Lincoln's Words To De Discussed on Feb. 21

Leading Lincoln scholar Douglas L. Wilson will discuss and sign his new book, "Lincoln’s Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words," at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21 in Dining Room A, sixth floor, James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E., Washington, D.C.

Law Library of Congress To Celebrate 175th Anniversary in 2007

Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III To Give Kissinger Lecture, Feb. 27

Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who recently served as co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, will deliver the fifth Kissinger Lecture on Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library of Congress on Feb. 27.