Libraries Staff Recognition Event

The movie-themed Staff Recognition event “Tinseltown in Dinkytown” was held at the Varsity Theater.

Paul and Joan Nagel Lecture

Henry Adams, professor of American art at Case Western Reserve University and descendent of presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, spoke on the work of noted historian and Adams biographer Paul Nagel.

Eric Black, former Star Tribune reporter and current MinnPost blogger, eulogized Paul Nagel and introduced inaugural Nagel Lecture speaker Henry
Adams.

Charlie Bethel’s Gilgamesh

 

Master storyteller Charlie Bethel performed his take on the ancient tale of Gilgamesh for a full house of Friends.

An Upson Song Cycle

 

 

Local tenor Roy Heilman is accompanied by Mary Jo Gothmann, singing original compositions by Linda Kachelmeier based on poems by Arthur Upson. Peter Campion narrates.

A Feast of Words

Friends filled the Campus Club for the annual Feast of Words dinner. English professor Michael Hancher riffed on questions that have long puzzled dictionary makers and dictionary users–the relationship of things, names of things, and pictures of things.

“Bibliophilia: Collecting Black Books” exhibit

The Archie Givens Sr. Collection of African American Literature hosted a dinner and special viewing of the “Bibliophilia: Collecting Black Books” exhibit. Curator Cecily Marcus explains materials in one case to Karen Kaler.

Archie Givens Jr., President of the Givens Foundation of African American Literature, and Phebe Givens.

Davu Seru, Phillips Graduate Fellow for the Givens Collection, and Emily Seru.

Friends-Member appreciation reception

Attendees at the annual Friends-Member appreciation reception enjoyed “I Could Write a Book,Marian,” a bibliophile recital by tenor Vern Sutton . . .

. . . featuring John Agacki on guitar…

. . . and Dan Chouinard on piano.

Science Quiz Bowl

Science Quiz Bowl champion team, DNA.

Three of the four members of the runner-up team, Lottery / e-LEMON-ators.

Pankake Poetry Reading

Heid Erdrich read from her hot-off-the-presses collection “Cell Traffic” for the Third Annual Pankake Poetry Reading.

Friends Libraries Annual Dinner

 

Pulitzer-prize winning author and Dickens biographer Jane Smiley capped off the Friends’ celebration of the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens.