Library of Congress: New Webcasts

Who Speaks for Islam?

The Near East Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division presented, as part of the series "Beyond the Islamist Discourse: Muslims Look at Their Societies," John Esposito, who discussed "Who Speaks for Islam?"

Stephen King, Tabitha King and Owen King Speak at the Library

The PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools program, in collaboration with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, hosted world-renowned author Stephen King, his wife, novelist Tabitha King, and son, writer Owen King, in a reading and discussion for students at the Library.

God and Gandhi: The Radical Spiritual Politics of the Reverend John Haynes Holmes

Though hardly remembered today, John Haynes Holmes was one of the most important American religious radicals of the 20th century. A socialist, antiracist and pacifist, he was also among the very first popularizers of Mohandas Gandhi's ideas in the United States. Kluge Fellow Joseph Kosek discusses Holmes.

Ruth Crawford Seeger, Modernist Composer in the Folk Revival: Biography as Music History

In the first of a Music Division lecture series presenting members of the American Musicological Society who have completed research in the division's unique collections, Judith Tick discusses aspects of her work on composer Ruth Crawford Seeger.

Women's History Month Celebration: Women's Art -- Women's Vision

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 invited Deborah L. Gaston, director of education at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, to deliver the keynote address.

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food

Who writes those little messages in fortune cookies and how do fortune cookie makers get their lucky numbers? Did General Tso cook his own chicken, and why was there a lawsuit over who invented chop suey? The answers to these and other fascinating questions was explored by Jennifer 8. Lee, as she discussed her recent book.

Reformist Voices of Islam: Mediating Religion and Modernity

The Near East Section of the African Middle Eastern Division and the John W. Kluge Center hosted a talk by Shireen Hunter on her new book, "Reformist Voices of Islam: Mediating Religion and Modernity."

Electing FDR: The New Deal Campaign of 1932

With the landmark election of Franklin D. Roosevelt as U.S. President in 1932, decades of Republican ascendancy gave way to a half century of Democratic dominance. It was nothing less than a major political realignment as the direction of federal policy shifted from conservative to liberal--and liberalism itself was redefined in the process. In his new book, the first in many decades to examine in its entirety the 1932 presidential election that ushered in the New Deal, Donald A. Ritchie explains how the Democratic Party rebuilt itself after three successive Republican landslides; where the major shifts in party affiliation took place; what contingencies contributed to FDR's victory; and why the new coalition lasted as long as it did.

Classical Music of Persia: The Precious Heritage of Iranians

Honoring the arrival of Spring and celebrating the age old tradition of Nowruz, Roya Bahrami presented a lecture-recital based on her research to give historical and structural review of Persian Classical Music. The recital component was selections from her recently released album "Roya," inspired by the timeless wisdom of Persian poets Rumi, Hafez and Sepehri, as well as Persian roots of Spanish Flamenco.

Witter Bynner Poetry Reading

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. Thorburn and Youn each read at this special presentation.

The Anthropology of Digital Natives

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? This first lecture explores how young people think, learn and play. Speaker Edith Ackerman is particularly interested in helping shape the future of play and learning in a digital world.

The Second Great Migration: Religious Refugees and the Remaking of America, 1678-1690

Kluge Fellow Owen Stanwood discusses the emigration of thousands of Protestant radicals to England's American colonies during the latter part of the 17th century.

Michael Dirda Discusses "Classics for Pleasure"

Classics are classics not because they are educational, but because people have found them worth reading, generation after generation, century after century. More than anything else, great books speak to us of our own all-too-real feelings, confusions and daydreams.

The New Science of Addiction and What It Means to Society

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. According to Alan Leshner, there is now a clear understanding that drug abuse and addiction are bio-behavioral phenomena with important biological, behavioral and social-context components. Those components must be recognized in developing prevention, treatment and social-policy responses to the problems.

Impact of IT Revolution on Youth of Tunisia

Oussama Romdhani, director general of the Tunisian External Communication Agency, commented on the TV viewing habits of the Tunisian public based on a recent Gallup poll, and discussed the impact of satellite dishes in bringing TV programs from Europe and the Middle East to every Tunisian home.

A Conversation with Leon Harris

The Library of Congress celebrated African American History Month with a presentation by Leon Harris, award-winning journalist and anchor for ABC 7/WJLA-TV. Harris presented a talk on "A Community-Focused Approach to Journalism."

Mickey Edwards Discusses Book on Conservatism

Former Representative Mickey Edwards (R-Okla.), a leading member of the American conservative movement for more than 40 years, believes that many conservatives today have abandoned their principles and have become champions of that which they once most feared--government intrusion.

Reflections from South Africa: Libraries and Society Change

Ellen R. Tise, president-elect (2007-2009) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), gave an informative presentation on the transformation of libraries and the library profession in South Africa.

No Greater Challenge: Assessing Legal Responses to Terrorism

The Law Library of Congress presented a lecture by James Renwick. Renwick is an Australian barrister and visiting Fulbright Scholar. His lecture focused on the United Kingdom's and Australia's legislative response to terrorism since 9/11 and the supporting policy issues and how it compares to the response of the United States.

Shakespeare's Genealogies

William Shakespeare was fascinated with family dynamics, often using them to fuel his plots with familial jealousy, lust, murder, mistaken identity and long-lost siblings. Many of his works share characters that can be linked together by a common family history dating to pagan times. Vanessa James, professor of theater arts at Mount Holyoke College, unravels these lineages in a lecture.

Opening the Photo Vaults

Library of Congress staff and George Oates from Flickr, the popular photo-sharing site and Web 2.0 innovator -- describe the pilot project in which the Library has mounted photographs from its Farm Security Administration and George Grantham Bain collections on the Flickr Web site.

LIVE WEBCAST: Digital Natives, April 7

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? These questions will be addressed in a new Library of Congress series titled "Digital Natives." The first lecture, exploring how young people think, learn and play, will feature distinguished scholar and child-development expert Edith Ackerman on "The Anthropology of Digital Natives" at 4 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 7.

National Visionary Leadership Project Showcase

The Library of Congress celebrated African American History Month with its signature event--a showcase of the American Folklife Center's National Visionary Leadership Project (NVLP) Collection. The NVLP is a collection of oral life histories of extraordinary African American elders who have made significant contributions to American society, and the American Folklife Center is the official repository for these stories.

"America in the Middle East" by Michael Oren

America and the Middle East have been intertwined for more than 230 years -- the first war fought by the newly independent United States was against Arabic-speaking Muslims, George Washington had a Middle East policy and Thomas Jefferson listed America's relations with the region as his No. 1 international concern. Even iconic literary figures such as Herman Melville, Washington Irving and Mark Twain were singularly interested in the region. In his new book, Michael B. Oren argues that Americans today still have a poor understanding of their connection with the region.

Poetry Reading by Li-Young Lee and David Kirby

The Library of Congress literary season continued with poetry readings by Li-Young Lee and David Kirby sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.

Interview with Composer and Pianist Fred Hersch

Part of the series "American Creativity: The Composer-Performer," this interview with the composer and pianist Fred Hersch, one of a series of portraits of major jazz figures appearing at the Library of Congress, was presented by the Library's Music Division as a pre-concert presentation.

Research on Magnetic Media Deterioration Before and After 1995

Since John van Bogart's seminal work "Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling" published by the Commission on Preservation and Access (now CLIR) in 1995, a variety of tools and techniques have been developed by the collections management community to identify magnetic media collections that are at risk and conduct conservation activities.

The Druze Heritage: Part IV

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 was examined by 10 scholars from the U.S. and Middle East who participated in a symposium at the Library of Congress.

The Druze Heritage: Part III

The Druze Heritage: Part II

The Druze Heritage: Part I

Contemporary Significance of Confucianism: Afternoon Session

Is a philosophical system born in China 2,500 years ago still relevant in the 21st century? A panel of scholars attempted to answer this question in a symposium titled "The Contemporary Significance of Confucianism"

Contemporary Significance of Confucianism: Morning Session

Gandydancer in Concert

Gandydancer performs traditional string band music from West Virginia as part of the American Folklife Center's Homegrown Concert Series.

Hoop Dances by Dallas Chief Eagle and Jasmine Pickner

Two first place World Hoop Dance Champions have joined together to model and dance a vision of male and female balance, harmony and respect as traditionally practiced by their ancestors. Dallas Chief Eagle, Rosebud Sioux tribal member, and Jasmine Pickner of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe are both world-traveled hoop dancers. They performed as part of the American Folklife Center's Homegrown Concert Series

Reverb in Concert

Gospel/inspirational harmony group Reverb performs as part of the Library's celebration of African American History Month. The concert was also part of the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Globalization Through the Centuries

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.

Consuming Landscapes: Parkways in Germany and the United States, 1920-1970

This talk with Kluge Fellow Tom Zeller explores the way roads have been redesigned for the automobile as parkways since the 1920s in the United States and Germany, what meanings they acquired and how drivers and passengers experienced them.

I Will Wake the Dawn: Illuminated Psalms

The 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.

Which Chile, Allende? Henry Kissinger and the International Repercussions of the Portuguese Revolution

Kluge Scholar Mario del Poro discusses the Portuguese revolution of 1974, which lead to the downfall of one the last authoritarian regimes in Western Europe and opened a chaotic transition in Portugal.

Poetry Reading by James Tate and Jorie Graham

U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic introduced Pulitzer Prize-winning poets Jorie Graham and James Tate, who read from their works.

150th Anniversary of the J&R Lamb Studios (2)

Art and architectural historians and design community insiders assembled at the Library of Congress for a symposium 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 (afternoon session).

150th Anniversary of the J&R Lamb Studios (1)

Docent Training Films Reveal Library Treasures

A series of webcasts designed to train Library docent and tour guides reveal little-known wonders of the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building and the rich collections of the Library of Congress.

A Money Doctor from Japan: Megata Tanetaro in Korea, 1904-1907

It is by now established knowledge that Japanese colonialist policies versus Korea cannot have been motivated by economic profits. Literature on Japanese imperialism does, however, fail to address the role of a series of monetary and financial reforms the Japanese government sought to implement after the peninsula had been turned into a protectorate. In his lecture, Michael Schiltz demonstrates how the 'Megata reform', as it came to be called, factually turned Korea into a subsidiary of the Japanese economy.

Extraordinary Rendition: Constitutional Issues

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, presidential power and congressional checks was the subject of this panel discussion.

T.E. Lawrence, Aaronsohn and the Seeds of the Arab-Israel Conflict

The Arab-Israeli conflict is often said to be biblical in its origins, with the children of Abraham contesting an ancient and eternal rivalry. But it can be argued that much of the conflict emerged less than a century ago in the turmoil of World War I. Historian and novelist Ronald Florence puts forth this argument in his new book.

Indian Religious Freedom, to Litigate or Legislate?

The Law Library and the Office of Workforce Diversity co-hosted a Law Panel on religious rights of Native Americans. The panel discussion served as the closing program of Native American Heritage Month.

Bankrupting the Enemy: The U.S. Financial Siege of Japan Before Pearl Harbor

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 discussed his book, "Bankrupting the Enemy: The U.S. Financial Siege of Japan Before Pearl Harbor" in a program sponsored by the Humanities and Social Sciences Division.

The Parking Garage and Its Impact on Urban Planning

The parking garage, often considered a dull and forgettable structure, is a crucial element of building design and urban planning. Architect Shannon Sanders McDonald discussed "Designing for Man, Machine and Movement: The Parking Garage."

An African Republic: Black and White Virginians in the Making of Liberia

Who supported the African colonization movement and settlement in Liberia in the 19th century and why? According to a new book by historian Marie Tyler-McGraw, no state was more involved than Virginia, where black Virginians sustained the early impetus for colonization and made up a majority of the emigrants who went to Liberia, and white Virginians provided much of the political and organizational leadership.

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (4)

An all-day symposium, "Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature," was ponsored by the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and the Hispanic Division in conjunction with the "Exploring the Early Americas" exhibition. (Panel 4 of 4)

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (3)

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (2)

An all-day symposium, "Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature," was sponsored by the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and the Hispanic Division in conjunction with the "Exploring the Early Americas" exhibition. (Panel 2 of 4)

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (1)

Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil

The world was forever changed when American geologists and engineers in the 1930s and 1940s discovered oil in Saudi Arabia and developed the Middle Eastern oil industry. Timothy J. Barger and Thomas W. Lippman examined this significant period in history when they discussed a book by the late, award-winning author Wallace Stegner titled "Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil."

Containing Runaway Fear in Foreign Policy

William F. May discussed the religious apprehensions, such as good versus evil, embedded in American politics. He looked at American foreign policy during the last 60 years, as political anxieties in the West shifted from the mind-set during the Cold War (the West vs. tyranny) to the current apprehensions (the West vs. anarchy).

Can You Guard My Stuff? LC Data Tests with the San Diego Supercomputer Center

Over the last twelve months, the Library of Congress has been conducting data transfer and storage tests with one of the world's largest supercomputing data centers, the San Diego Supercomputer Center. SDSC Division Director for Production Services Richard Moore and Project Manager David Minor recount details of the project and lessons learned, and discuss implications for the future of digital storage and preservation.

The Origins of FBI Counterintelligence

Foreign spies and the theft of military and industrial secrets were real threats during the 1930s as the United States faced the impending war. The nation's lack of security on those fronts was also a problem. Enter J. Edgar Hoover and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Raymond J. Batvinis, former FBI special agent, presents an early history of the FBI.

Guiding Our Destiny: Loriene Roy

n honor of Native American Heritage Month, American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy delivered a lecture, which was sponsored jointly by the Office of Workforce Diversity, the Law Library and the Center for the Book.

Quick to the Party: Southern Jews and the Americanization of Hanukkah

Registrants attending the 32nd annual conference of the Southern Jewish Historical Society came to the Library as guests of the Hebraic Section, African and Middle Eastern Division, to learn about Judaic treasures in the Library's collections.

Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth Eisenstein: Panel Discussion

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."

Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth Eisenstein: Presentation of Papers

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."

MacDowell Colony Poets

Six poets who served residencies at the MacDowell Colony are featured in readings by Stephen Dunn, Peter Klappert and Kathy Mangan.

Writers from Iowa's International Writer's Program

Writers from the distinguished International Writing Program at the University of Iowa read from their works at the Library of Congress in a program jointly sponsored by the Library's John W. Kluge Center.

The History and Curse of the Hope Diamond

Richard Kurin uncovered the mystery and the true story of the world's most infamous bauble and discussed and signed his book "Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem."

Rep. Tom Cole: Native American Heritage Month Keynote

Five years to the day after being elected to represent Oklahoma's 4th congressional district, Rep. Tom Cole delivered the keynote address for the Library's 2007 celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

M.S. Merwin Reads From His Works

Celebrated poet W.S. Merwin received the 2006 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry and read selections of his work.

Aeronautics at the Library of Congress

A nationally known aviation historian and biographer of the Wright brothers, Tom Crouch has been mining the treasures of the Library of Congress for more than four decades.

Concert: Aubrey Ghent and Friends

Aubrey Ghent with friends performed sacred lap steel guitar for the Library's annual Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

The African Colonial State and the Encounter with Decolonization

Crawford Young, a distinguished scholar on Africa and professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, discussed the final phase of the African colonial state, its confrontation with African nationalism and the terms of power transfer.

Judith Jones on Cookbooks

Judith Jones was the first to espouse the kind of cookbook in which the author encourages and enables the ordinary home cook to create the extraordinary by defining culinary terms, demonstrating techniques, whether it be boning or braising, and by providing explicit directions and detailed explanations.

Observing, Fighting and Mitigating Damage from Wildfires

Compton J. Tucker discussed "Observing, Fighting and Mitigating Damage from Wildfires" in a program sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division.

A Place for the Arts: The MacDowell Colony, 1907-2007

Robin Rausch, the curator of "A Century of Creativity: The MacDowell Colony 1907-2007" at the Library, discussed the colony, the first artists' residency program in America and the model for hundreds of others.

The Nuts and Bolts of Historical Fiction

The construction of historical fiction requires the attributes of good story telling plus some important additional components. Novelist David L. Robbins discussed the building blocks of historical novels.

Cartographia: Library's Map Treasures

Vincent Virga and co-author Ron Grim discussed "Cartographia," a new book featuring maps from the Library's extensive collections.

Jewish Washington: Scrapbook of an American Community

Laura Cohen Apelbaum and Wendy Turman of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington spoke about the history of the Jewish community in Washington, D.C.

Diamonds, Gold and War

British historian and journalist Martin Meredith discussed his new book, "Diamonds, Gold, and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa."

Holy Moses! A Cultural History of the Ten Commandments in Modern America

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

2006 Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature

Authors Margarita Engle and Jennifer Riesmeyer Elvgren and illustrators Sean Qualls and Nicole Tadgell received the 2006 Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature.

A New Challenge to the Congressional Black Caucus

Congressman Major Owens hosted a distinguished panel of U.S. representatives and political scientists in a discussion of his book, "The Peacock Elite: A Subjective Case Study of the Congressional Black Caucus and Its Impact on National Politics."

History of School Gardens in Amercia

Constance Carter, head of the Science Reference Section, describes the history of the school garden in America and offers reasons why school gardens are making a comeback.

Cynthia Leitich Smith: National Book Festival 2007

Cynthia Leitich Smith in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kevin Young: National Book Festival 2007

Kevin Young in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Gene Luen Yang: National Book Festival 2007

Gene Luen Yang in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jacqueline Wilson: National Book Festival 2007

Jacqueline Wilson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Douglas L. Wilson: National Book Festival 2007

Douglas L. Wilson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Wiesner: National Book Festival 2007

David Wiesner in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Rosemary Wells: National Book Festival 2007

Rosemary Wells in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Geoffrey Ward: National Book Festival 2007

Geoffrey Ward in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Susan Vreeland: National Book Festival 2007

Susan Vreeland in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Diane Thiel: National Book Festival 2007

Diane Thiel in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Megan McDonald: National Book Festival 2007

Megan McDonald in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Thomas Mallon: National Book Festival 2007

Thomas Mallon in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Arnold Rampersad: National Book Festival 2007

Arnold Rampersad in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Sena Jeter Naslund: National Book Festival 2007

Sena Jeter Naslund in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Nancy Pearl: National Book Festival 2007

Nancy Pearl in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Terry Pratchett: National Book Festival 2007

Terry Pratchett in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kevin Prufer: National Book Festival 2007

Kevin Prufer in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jack Prelutsky: National Book Festival 2007

Jack Prelutsky in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jodi Picoult: National Book Festival 2007

Jodi Picoult in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michael B. Oren: National Book Festival 2007

Michael B. Oren in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Joyce Carol Oates: National Book Festival 2007

Joyce Carol Oates in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Joan Nathan: National Book Festival 2007

Joan Nathan in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Draft Report: Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control

A Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control has examined the future of bibliographic description in the 21st century in light of advances in search engine technology, the popularity of the Internet and the influx of electronic information resources.

Judith Martin: National Book Festival 2007

Judith Martin ("Miss Manners") in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Patricia MacLachlan: National Book Festival 2007

Patricia MacLachlan in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Martha Raddatz: National Book Festival 2007

Martha Raddatz in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Patricia McCormick: National Book Festival 2007

Patricia McCormick in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Lalita Tademy: National Book Festival 2007

Lalita Tademy in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Harry Turtledove: National Book Festival 2007

Harry Turtledove in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Steven Raichlen: National Book Festival 2007

Steven Raichlen in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Mercer Mayer: National Book Festival 2007

Illustrator Mercer Mayer in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Gail Carson Levine: National Book Festival 2007

Gail Carson Levine in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Daniel Silva: National Book Festival 2007

Daniel Silva in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jeff Shaara: National Book Festival 2007

Jeff Shaara in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Meryle Secrest: National Book Festival 2007

Meryle Secrest in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Lisa Scottoline: National Book Festival 2007

Lisa Scottoline in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Patricia Schultz: National Book Festival 2007

Patricia Schultz in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Judy Schachner: National Book Festival 2007

Judy Schachner in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Victoria Rowell: National Book Festival 2007

Victoria Rowell in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

LIVE WEBCAST: Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control

The Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control presents its draft report of recommendations to Library of Congress managers and staff at 1:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Tune in to the live webcast.

Charles Simic: National Book Festival 2007

Poet Laureate Charles Simic in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

James Swanson: National Book Festival 2007

James Swanson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jon Stallworthy: National Book Festival 2007

Jon Stallworthy in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Anne Stevenson: National Book Festival 2007

Anne Stevenson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Library Accessibility

The Library hosted a panel discussion, "Library Accessibility: Facilities, Programs and Services," as part of its celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month.

2007 Disability Awareness Keynote Address

Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) delivers the keynote address for the Library's celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Gala: National Book Festival 2007

Prior to the annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, the Library hosts a gala event featuring and honoring authors and storytellers who have come to Washington for the Festival.

Breakfast: National Book Festival 2007

The 2007 National Book Festival Authors' Breakfast and Opening Ceremony hosted by First Lady Laura Bush, took place at the White House early on Saturday morning, Sept. 29.

United States-Armenian Relations, 1991-2007

Ambassadors Harry J. Gilmore (1993-1995), Peter Tomsen (1995-1998), Michael C. Lemmon (1998-2001), John M. Ordway (2001-2004) and John M. Evans (2004-2007) converse as part of the Near East Section's 13th Annual Vardanants Day Armenian Lecture.

Doro Bush Koch: National Book Festival 2007

Doro Bush Koch in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Edward P. Jones: National Book Festival 2007

Edward P. Jones in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

J.A. Jance: National Book Festival 2007

J.A. Jance in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Ignatius: National Book Festival 2007

David Ignatius in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Stephen Hunter: National Book Festival 2007

Stephen Hunter in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer L. Holm: National Book Festival 2007

Jennifer L. Holm in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Francisco Hernández: National Book Festival 2007

Francisco Hernández in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Carolyn Hart: National Book Festival 2007

Mystery writer Carolyn Hart in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Brian Haig: National Book Festival 2007

Brian Haig in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: National Book Festival 2007

Sanjay Gupta in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jan Crawford Greenburg: National Book Festival 2007

Journalist Jan Crawford Greenburg in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jan Spivey Gilchrist: National Book Festival 2007

Author and illustrator Jan Spivey Gilchrist in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Carmen Agra Deedy: National Book Festival 2007

Children's book author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Cat Cora: National Book Festival 2007

Iron Chef Cat Cora in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Deborah Crombie: National Book Festival 2007

Mystery author Deborah Crombie in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Stephen L. Carter: National Book Festival 2007

Stephen L. Carter in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Diane Ackerman: National Book Festival 2007

Diane Ackerman appears at the 2007 National Book Festival.

Ann Amernick: National Book Festival 2007

Chef Ann Amernick in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival.

M.T. Anderson: National Book Festival 2007

Children's author M.T. Anderson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival.

Maria Celeste Arrarás: National Book Festival 2007

Author and journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Baldacci: National Book Festival 2007

Thriller author David Baldacci in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michael Beschloss: National Book Festival 2007

Historian Michael Beschloss in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Holly Black: National Book Festival 2007

Fantasy author Holly Black in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Ashley Bryan: National Book Festival 2007

Ashley Bryan in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Ken Burns: National Book Festival 2007

Director Ken Burns in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Dead Center: The Collapse of Bipartisanship

Americans are living in an era marked by political partisanship and polarization. What happened to the bipartisanship of previous decades, and how does this political climate affect U.S. engagement in global affairs? Charles Kupchan discusses these implications in a presentation at the Library's Kluge Center.

Laborlore: Keynote Address

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. In the keynote address, Nick Spitzer presents a talk titled "In Katrina's Wake: The Building Trades in New Orleans." This presentation focuses on the historical and contemporary relationships of skilled building trades workers in New Orleans to the musical and visual culture of their place.

Laborlore: Collecting and Contextualizing Laborlore

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. Through a case study approach, these panelists focus on a range of issues confronting documentary fieldworkers and their community collaborators in the arena of documenting and representing occupational lore and traditions.

Laborlore: Social Justice, the Environment and the Ethics of Collaboration

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. This panel examines the work that the participants have done in mining communities in the US South and West by beginning with a consideration of pioneer scholar George Korson, one of the most prolific collectors and publishers of mining folksong, folklore and cultural history.

Laborlore: Expressive Culture, Work Culture and the Art of Representation

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. This panel considers the artistic representations of work in a range of cultural and social contexts (Mexico, Texas, Nevada, San Francisco) and in a variety of media (graphic arts, video and material culture).

National Security and the Constitution

The Law Library of Congress hosted a panel discussion on "National Security and the Constitution." Louis Fisher, Brian McKeon and Michael O'Neill discussed the constitutional principles that govern and influence national security policy, emergency powers, inherent presidential power, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and the role of Congress and the president in formulating and carrying out national security policy in a post-9/11 environment.

National Security and the Rule of Law

The Law Library of Cognress hosted a panel discussion on "National Security and the Rule of Law." A part of the Law Library's Speaker Series, the program commemorated Constitution Day and was co-sponsored by the Constitution Project.

LIVE WEBCAST: National Book Festival Gala

Tune in live on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7p.m. EDT for a gala event featuring and honoring authors and storytellers who have come to Washington for the Library of Congress National Book Festival, with readings by the following authors: mystery writer J.A. Jance, true crime author James Swanson, poet, author and playwright Sheila Moses and Jeff Shaara, author of best-selling Civil War historical novel "Gods and Generals."

NBF Podcast: Terry Pratchett

Science fiction and fantasy author Terry Pratchett talks about his best-selling books and how he made "Death" one of his most popular characters.

NBF Podcast: Maria Celeste Arrarás

Maria Celeste Arrarás discusses her career as a celebrity journalist and what motivated her to write her first children's book.

Zotero: A Personal Research Assistant inside Your Browser

New technologies have transformed the ways we do research. Automatic capture of citation information from Web pages is now possible. Dan Cohen and Trevor Owens, Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, demonstrate Zotero, an easy-to-use Firefox extension that helps collect, manage, and cite research sources.

NBF Podcast; Poet Laureate Charles Simic

Charles Simic reads his favorite poems and discusses his most recent book, "My Noiseless Entourage."

NBF Podcast: Victoria Rowell

Rowell talks about growing up in the foster care system and the women who shaped her life.

NBF Podcast: Sheila P. Moses

Moses discusses the disappearance of family traditions in the home and reads from her newest book, "The Baptism."

NBF Podcast: Sanjay Gupta

Gupta discusses his new book, "Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today."

NBF Podcast: Carmen Agra Deedy

Deedy reads from her latest book and talks about her Cuban heritage.

NBF Podcast: Ken Burns

Burns discusses his book and his seven-part film based on his book, which is scheduled to air on PBS in September 2007.

NBF Podcast: David Baldacci

Baldacci discusses his latest book," Simple Genius," which explores a very real technological race and a hunt for hidden treasure.

Podcasts from the Library of Congress

The Library has begun to make its unparalleled resources more accessible to the wired world with the launch of a series of podcasts.

A Panel Discussion on Torture, Detainees and the U.S. Military

Law Library of Congress Scholar in Residence Gary Solis moderated a panel discussion touching upon several current topics of national interest and concern: Guantanamo; "high value" detainees; military commissions; fair trials; and allegations of torture by agents of the U.S., including military personnel.

Law Day 2007

The Law Library of the Library of Congress and the American Bar Association commemorated Law Day with a panel discussion on "Perspectives on Childhood and the Law."

Law Library 175th Anniversary Gala

On July 14, 2007, the Law Library of Congress celebrated its 175th Anniversary Gala Dinner in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building. More than 125 distinguished guests in the political, legal and educational world were present to pay tribute to the institution.

Pamela Peak Discusses "Fit To Live"

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."

Packard Campus Gift Ushers in Dawn of New Era for Audio-Visual Conservation

David Woodley Packard, president of the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI), officially transfered the new Packard Campus-Audio-Visual Conservation, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the preservation of the nation's moving images and recorded sound heritage, at a signing ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Preserving Digital Heritage

Several of the partners in the Library's National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation program addressed attendees at the American Library Association's Annual Meeting during the convention's convention in Washington. The partners described the types of at-risk digital content they are collecting and the hurdles they face and have overcome in their collaborative initiatives.

Solr Powered Libraries: Using Blacklight and Collex at the University of Virginia

Erik Hatcher, a programmer in the Applied Research in Patacriticism group at the University of Virginia, discusses his work with Blacklight, a Solr-based faceted browser of the University of Virginia, and Collex, the big sister of Blacklight, that marries folksonomy and digital scholarship.

The State of the Book Industry 2007

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 were addressed and discussed by economists Albert N. Greco and Robert M. Wharton in a program co-sponsored by the Center for the Book and the Book Industry Study Group, Inc.

Justice, Not Pity: Julia Lathrop, First Chief of the U.S. Children's Bureau

Julia Lathrop was an American social worker at the turn of the 20th century, a pioneer in the field of child welfare who investigated child labor, studied infant mortality and pushed for separate courts for juveniles. Her career and significance as a political force is the subject of a lecture by Cecelia Tichi, holder of the Chair of Modern Culture in the John W. Kluge Center.

Separate Branches, Balanced Powers: Madison's Legacy

The Law Library of Congress and the American Bar Association (ABA) Division for Public Education commemorated Law Day 2007 with a panel discussion on "Separate Branches, Balanced Powers: Madison's Legacy."

NCSU's Faceted Catalog: 18 Months Later

In 2006, NCSU Libraries launched a new catalog powered by an e-commerce enterprise search engine. Years of frustration with legacy systems and inadequate search tools are driving many libraries and their vendors to create new products and services rarely seen in catalogs.

Liberian-U.S. Symposium: Session I

In celebration of the 160th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia, the African and Middle Eastern Division and the Embassy of Liberia co-sponsored a symposium with the theme "Liberian-United States Relations: Past, Present and Future." (Morning Session).

Liberian-U.S. Symposium: Session II

Nobel Laureates on the Origins of Life and the Universe

Two 2006 Nobel Prize winners addressed the fundamental questions pondered by many through the ages: "On the Origins of Life and the Universe: An Afternoon with 2006 Nobel Laureates Craig Mello and John Mather."

Kim Jong-il and North Korean Films

Suk-Young Kim, a fellow at the John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress, presents a program that provides insight on North Korean culture, politics and the leadership of Kim Jong-il.

For the Eyes of the Dear Leader: Fashion and Body Politics in North Korean Visual Arts

uk-Young Kim, a fellow at the John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress, presents a program that provides insight on North Korean culture, politics and the leadership of Kim Jong-il.

Indian Yell: The Heart of an American Insurgency

During the 19th century, conflict between Native Americans and Novelist, screenwriter and activist Michael Blake discussed his new book, "Indian Yell: The Heart of an American Insurgency."

A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters

Robert E. Lee was a more complex and contradictory man than his iconic image suggests. In her new biography, historian Elizabeth Brown Pryor presents dozens of previously unpublished letters to draw a new portrait of Lee's beliefs, his military ability and the times he lived in. Pryor discussed and signed "Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters," in a program sponsored by the Center for the Book.

Prime Minister of Barbados

The Right Honorable Owen Seymour Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, came to the Library of Congress to deliver an historic address concerning the formation and evolution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Segregated Scholars: Black Social Scientists and the Creation of Black Labor Studies

Who were the major black labor historians and how did they come to produce groundbreaking work in economic and labor studies? In a talk at the Library of Congress, Francille Rusan Wilson explored the lives and work of black scholars whose imprint on labor history and social science has earned them a lasting place in African-American intellectual heritage.

Paul Simon: Gershwin Prize Gala Dinner

Paul Simon receives the first annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during a gala dinner sponsored by the Library's Music Division.

"Lighthouses" and "Bridges" Book Launch

The Library of Congress and W.W. Norton & Company celebrated the publication of "Lighthouses" and "Bridges" with a special program.

Reflections on the Yiddish Theater and Its Legacy

Zachary M. Baker delivered the eighth Annual Myron M. Weinstein Memorial Lecture on the Hebraic Book as part of the Library's celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. The lecture was titled "A Bibliographer Encounters the Muses: Reflections on the Yiddish Theater and Its Legacy."

Honey Bees, Satellites and Climate Change

Life isn't what it used to be for honey bees in Maryland. The latest changes in their world were discussed by NASA scientist Wayne Esaias, a biological oceanographer with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, in an illustrated lecture sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Men, Let's Sing

Preceding the Cantus concert was a panel discussion titled "Men, Let's Sing: Choral Music for Men's Voices" in a program sponsored by the Music Division.

Camerata Ireland

Camerata Ireland, with found and pianist Barry Douglas, performed works by Carter, Mozart and Beethoven as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program cosponsored by the Library's Music Division and American Folklife Center.

Life Stories in South Africa

Nokuthula Mazibuko presents "Life Stories and Memory Making in South Africa" in a program sponsored by the African and Middle Eastern Division and the Embassy of South Africa.

Organic Farming

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 explored this dichotomy and other organic farming issues.

Reflections on the Yiddish Theater and Its Legacy

Gary Hastings and Brian Mullen

Flautist Gary Hastings and singer Brian Mullen present a concert and lecture as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

Daithi Sproule in Concert

Singer and guitarist Daithi Sproule performs in concert as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

Flory Jagoda and Friends

Flory Jagoda and friends Susan Gaeta and Howard Bass performs traditional Sephardic music from the former Yugoslavia and other parts of the world as part of the Library's Homegrown Concert Series.

Asian Multi-Cultural Program

A multi-cultural program of Philippine and Burmese dance, along with a martial arts lecture and demonstration by Master Jhoon Rhee, culminated the Library's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Poetry of Philip Levine and Delores Kendrick

Poets Philip Levine and Delores Kendrick read selections from their work. Accompanying Kendrick during her recital were musicians from the Capitol City Symphony: harpist Michael O'Harlin, violinists Maurice Gatewood and Masaya Uchino, cellist Patrick Moan and violist Victoria Gau.

Commercializing University Research: Theats and Opportunities

There is much debate about the growth of commercialization of academic research results. Does it threaten a university's principal mission? The topic was discussed in this lecture and panel discussion.

Vaclav Havel Book Discussion

Paul Wilson discusses his English translation of former Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel's book "To the Castle and Back."

Poetry of Robert Bly and Coleman Barks

Poets Robert Bly and Coleman Bark read selections of their work in a program sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.

River of Words 2007

Robert Hass, former U.S. Poet Laureate, returned to the Library of Congress to moderate a program honoring the student winners of the annual River of Words environmental poetry and art contest.

Eradicating HIV and Hepatitis B

The John W. Kluge Center sponsored a symposium, "Eradicating HIV and Hepatitis B," in partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), with support from the Dana Foundation.

Poetry Across the Atlantic: Poets Laureate Donald Hall & Andrew Motion

U.S. Poet Laureate Donald Hall and British Poet Laureate Andrew Motion participated 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.

Rosie Stewart in Concert

Rosie Stewart, a singer from Co. Fermanagh in Ireland, performed in concert, including "Adieu to Lovely Garrison," as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

Ralph Ellison: A Biography

Ralph Ellison never produced another novel in his lifetime after his magnum opus "Invisible Man," which won the National Book Award in 1953. Did success ruin him? This is one theme in the new biography of Ellison by Arnold Rampersad, the first scholar given complete access to Ellison's papers at the Library of Congress.

American Influence on Irish Song

John Moulden, singer and author from Ulster, presented a lecture titled "North American Influence on a North Ireland Song Collection" as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

1507 Waldseemuller World Map

The 1507 world map by Martin Waldseemuller is often called "America's Birth Certificate," because it is the first document on which the name "America" appears. German Chancellor Angela Merkel officially transferred the map to the Library of Congress in April 2007. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer accepted the map on behalf of the U.S. government, and Merkel, Hoyer and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington delivered remarks at the ceremony.

Iranian Writers

Iranian novelist Moniro Ravanipour, author and publisher Babak Takhti, author Shahryar Mandanipour and playwright Ezzat Goushegir participated in a panel discussion on "Iranians Writing and Publishing Today, At Home and Aborad."

The Sama Ensemble

The Sama Ensemble performed traditional Iranian music and dance as part of the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

"The War" Press Conference

The Library of Congress and the Veterans History Project held a joint press conference with PBS and Florentine Films to announce a partnership in connection with "The War," Ken Burns's World War II documentary television series.

British Printed Images to 1700

Michael Hunter discusses a collaborative project with the Centre for Computing in the Humanities at King's College London to produce a digital library of British printed images to 1700.

Mir Ali Shir Symposium: Panel 3

During the 15th century, Mir Ali Shir (1441-1501), who wrote under the name Navoi, was the major literary figure among the Central Asian Turkic peoples, the ancestors of today's Uzbeks. His life, work and legacy was the focus of a symposium held at the Library of Congress.

Mir Ali Shir Symposium: Panel 2

Mir Ali Shir Symposium: Panel 1

Mary Neighbour: Speak Right On

Award-winning writer Mary E. Neighbour discussed "Speak Right On," her novel about Dred Scott, the former slave at the heart of the landmark 1857 legal decision.

Yu Ying-shih: China's Return to Tradition

Distinguished historian Yu King-shih, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, presented talks titled "China's Return to Tradition: How to Interpret the New Forces Emerging in China." Yu discussed popular attitudes and scholarly inquiry in China that go beyond the tight constraints of party-controlled historical study since the 1940s.

Yu Ying-shih: China Rediscovers its Own History

Distinguished historian Yu Ying-shih, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, presented a talk on the current debate within the Chinese Communist Party on the roles that democracy, tradition, Confucianism and Maoism play in reinterpreting China's history, in light of the development of modern society and a burgeoning economy.

Food Politics

Marion Nestle, a New York University professor of nutrition, discussed "Food Politics: What to East in Today's Era of Food Anxiety" in a lecture sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Highlights of Japan-U.S. Relationship

The Asian Division hosted a symposium featuring discussion on the "Highlights of the Japan-U.S. Relationship: History, Cultural Exchange and Future Development."

Moises Naim on Hijacking the Global Economy

Moises Naim discussed his book "Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats Are Hijacking the Global Economy"

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent I

The third panel of this symposium concerned "Women and Religion."

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent II

The third panel of this symposium concerned "Begums and Maharanis."

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent III

The third panel of this symposium concerned "Women Leaders in India's Independence Struggles."

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent IV

The fourth panel of this symposium concerned "Women and Art."

Celebrating Rumi

The Library sponsored a poetry and music program with the Turkish Embassy titled "Celebrating Rumi: An Evening of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi's Poetry and Sufi Music with Whirling Dervishes."

Susan Hirsch Discusses Her Book on Terrorism and Grief

Anthropologist Susan F. Hirsch discussed her book, "In the Moment of Greatest Calamity: Terrorism, Grief and a Victim's Quest for Justice," in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Keynote, Women's History Month

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the newly restored House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, delivered the keynote address for the Library's Women's History Month.

Witter Bynner Fellowship Awardees Poetry Reading

Poet Laureate Donald Hall presents 2007 Witter Bynner Fellowship awardees Laurie Lamon and David Tucker, who read from their work in an event sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.

Caesarism in Democratic Politics: Reflections on Max Weber

President Emeritus of Stanford University Gerhard Casper talks about Caesarism in democratic politics. The concept of Caesarism, political absolutism or dictatorship, was of considerable importance to Max Weber, the German political economist and sociologist.

Stephen Grant on Diplomat Peter Strickland

Stephen H. Grant discussed his book "Peter Strickland: New London Shipmaster, Boston Merchant, First Consul to Senegal" in a program sponsored by the Center for the Book.

Real Estate Tips

Mark Nash discussed his book "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home" in a program sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division.

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

A program of public events at the Library marked the new partnership between the Center for the Book and the National Literary Society of the Deaf.

John Hope Franklin: Where Do We Go from Here?

Distinguished historian John Hope Franklin, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, discussed the history of the African-American experience.

Sara Paretsky: Fire Sale

Author Sara Paretsky celebrated the 25th anniversary of the debut of her fictional private detective, V.I. Warshawski, with a discussion of her new book "Fire Sale."

Paul Orfalea: Copy This!

Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko's, discussed his theories and instincts on how to succeed, in business and in life.

Douglas Wilson: Lincon's Sword

Leading Lincoln scholar Douglas L. Wilson discussed his new book, "Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words" in a program sponsored by the Center for the Book.

Middle East Journal II

Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Middle East Journal (afternoon sessions).

Middle East Journal I

Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Middle East Journal (morning sessions).

James Baker: Foreign Policy and International Relations

Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who recently served as co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, delivered the fifth Kissinger Lecture on Foreign Policy and International Relations in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Vaclav Havel: Dissidents and Freedom

Former Czech president Vaclav Havel conducts a forum on "Dissidents and Freedom," featuring eight dissidents and activists from around the world in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center.

Tim Harford: Undercover Economist

Tim Harford, a columnist at the Financial Times in London, discussed his recent book "The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich are Rich and the Poor are Poor -- and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!"

The Cellos of Stradivari

Cellists Richard Belcher, Enso String Quartet, and Steven Honigberg, along with sculptor/instrument collector Alfredo Halegua, luthier John Montgomery and Carol Lynn Ward-Bamford of the Library's Music Division presented a lecture on Stradivari's cellos.

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.) delivered the 2007 African American History Month keynote address at the Library of Congress.

Poetry Readings: Eshleman and Corzo

The Library of Congress 2006 Literary season continues with Clayton Eshleman reading "The Complete Poetry of Cesar Vallejo." Eshleman, translator of the newly released "The Complete Poetry of Cesar Vallejo," reads poems in English and Peruvian businessman Gonzalo Corzo reads poems in Spanish.

End of the Cold War

James Goldgeier, the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, presented a lecture titled "The End of the Cold War and the Struggle Over American Foreign Policy."

Poetry Readings: Kumin and McNair

The Library of Congress 2006 Literary Season continued with poetry readings from poets Maxine Kumin and Wesley McNair, two New England poets.

Leopold Sedar Senghor: Thinker, Statesman, Poet

Souleymane Bachir Diagne, professor of philosophy and religion at Northwestern University, discussed Senegal's first president (1960-1980) and one of the great French-language poets of the 20th century.

Exhibit Tour: Leopold Sedar Senghor

The Library's African and Middle Eastern Division Reading Room presents a special display of Senghor memorabilia featuring signed copies of Leopold Senghor's prolific works.

Warping Waldseemuller

John Hessler presents a lecture on the 1507 and 1516 world maps by Martin Waldseemuller in a program sponsored by the Library's Geography and Map Division.

The Data-PASS Project

Myron P. Gutmann, professor of history and director of the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the University of Michigan and the principal investigator of the Data-PASS partnership with the Library's National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (www.digitalpreservation.gov), gives a briefing on how the project is acquiring and preserving at-risk digital opinion polls, voting records, large-scale surveys and other social science research data.

Terrorist Ideologies

Sociologist Neil J. Smelser presented a lecture titled "Why Are Terrorist Ideologies So Powerful" in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center.

2006 Jay I. Kislak Lecture: Re-thinking Conquest: Spanish and Native Experiences in the Americas

British historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto delivered the second annual Jay I. Kislak lecture titled "Re-Thinking Conquest: Spanish and Native Experiences in the Americas."

Poetry Readings: Cole, Rector, Harris

The Library of Congress 2006 Literary season continues with poetry readings from poets Henri Cole, Liam Rector and Judith Harris.

Economic Inequality

Economist Robert J. Shiller spoke on "What to Do About Worsening Economic Inequality: The Rising Tide Tax System and Other Proposals" in a program sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Weather Forecasting

Bob Ryan, chief meteorologist at NBC4 (WRC-TV), discussed weather forecasting in a lecture sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Women Who Dare

The seven authors of the Library of Congress "Women Who Dare" series, which celebrates the lives of remarkable women who have shaped American history, discussed their books in a program sponsored by the Library's Center for the Book.

National Geospatial Digital Archive

Larry Carver, director of Library Technologies and Digital Initiatives at the University of California, Santa Barbara, discusses the National Geospatial Digital Archive, a partnership of the Library of Congress, the University of California, Santa Barbara and Stanford University.

Using METS and MODS

Library of Congress specialists describe using METS and MODS to create XML standards-based digital library applications.

Writing About Music in a Time of Change

Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize winner and chief classical music critic for The Washington Post, delivered the 2006 Louis C. Elson Memorial Lecture in a program sponsored by the Library's Music Division and John W. Kluge Center.

International Religious Freedom

The John W. Kluge Center and the American Academy of Religion presented panel discussions on America's religious origins and on international religious freedom at the Library of Congress.

America's Religious Origins

The John W. Kluge Center and the American Academy of Religion presented panel discussions on America's religious origins and on international religious freedom at the Library of Congress.

Tunisia: Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Emancipation

This symposium featured presentations by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Alifa Chaabane Farouk, Hayet Laouni and Mounira Charrad. It was sponsored by the Library's African and Middle Eastern Division and the Embassy of Tunisia.

"Cartoon America" Exhibition Opens

A host of well-known publishers and cartoonists (including Jules Feiffer, Brian Walker, Ann Telnaes, Kevin Kallaugher) were on hand at the Library of Congress to celebrate the opening of "Cartoon America: Highlights from the Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature," a exhibition featuring 100 masterworks of the nation's most renown cartoonists.

The New American Cooking

Noted food writer Joan Nathan spoke about her latest book "The New American Cooking" in a program sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division. To complement her lecture, area chefs provided sample dishes. They were chef Cliff Wharton of TenPenh Restaurant, pastry chef Ann Amernick of Palena Restaurant and baker Mark Furstenberg of Bread Line.