BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//PBS Books - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for PBS Books REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Detroit BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251117T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251117T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251112T182142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T213031Z UID:14504-1763409600-1763413200@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:The Wright Conversations with Keith Knight DESCRIPTION:Join PBS Books and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for a special edition of The Wright Conversations\, featuring acclaimed cartoonist and comics creator Keith Knight.  \nKnight—recognized with honors including the Comic-Con Inkpot Award\, CXC Master Cartoonist Award\, Glyph Awards\, and nominations for both the Eisner and NAACP Image Awards—has been using art and humor to spark meaningful dialogue for decades. He is the creator of the long-running autobiographical strip The K Chronicles\, the socio-political cartoon (Th)ink\, and the nationally syndicated The Knight Life. His life and work also inspired the Hulu comedy series Woke\, where Knight served as co-creator\, writer\, and executive producer.  \nThe Wright Conversations series invites luminaries from across art\, history\, and culture to engage in dynamic discussions about the most pressing issues of our time. This ongoing program celebrates creativity\, civic engagement\, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.  \nTune in for a lively and thought-provoking conversation that blends art\, activism\, and laughter—all through the unique lens of one of today’s most influential cartoonists.  \n About the AuthorKeith Knight \n\nKeith Knight is the creator of the weekly comic strip The K Chronicles (1993)\, the weekly single panel comic (Th)ink (2003)\, and the daily strip The Knight Life (2008). In a style and wit reminiscent of MAD magazine\, Knight typically addresses serious social and political issues in his comics while incorporating his signature humor.In 2007 Knight won the Harvey Award for “Best Syndicated Strip or Panel” for his work on The K Chronicles. In celebration of his career in comic strips\, Knight was awarded the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con in 2010. Woke\, a television series partially based on Knight’s life\, debuted on the Hulu streaming service in 2020; the second season became available in April 2022. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/the-wright-conversations-with-keith-knight/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Wright-Keith-Knight-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251119T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251119T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251029T145535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T024332Z UID:14345-1763582400-1763586000@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:"America's First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie | Readers Club Ep. 211 DESCRIPTION:PBS Books Readers Club welcomes co-authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie to discuss their New York Times best-selling historical novel America’s First Daughter. The episode premieres on November 19th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAmerica’s First Daughter tells the sweeping story of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson\, the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. From the heartbreaking loss of her mother\, to traveling with her father in Paris\, and standing beside him through the birth of a nation—Patsy becomes his confidante and protector. More than just a witness\, she shapes American history through her strength and influence. \nGrounded in thousands of Jefferson’s letters\, this novel blends meticulous research with powerful\, emotional storytelling. The result is a vivid and intimate portrait of a woman whose resilience and influence helped shape both her family’s legacy and the young United States. \nStephanie Dray reveals\, “We really did not have to juice up much of Jefferson’s life… it gets pretty soapy\, especially in the later periods. We did not invent any of that. The crazier something is an historical fiction novel\, the more likely it is to be true.” \nThe PBS Books Readers Club will also explore Dray and Kamoie’s other bestseller\, My Dear Hamilton\, which shines a light on the often overlooked story of Elizabeth “Eliza” Hamilton. The novel follows her as she stands steadfastly beside her husband\, Alexander Hamilton\, through the triumphs and challenges of building a new nation. Together\, these two novels beautifully bring the stories of remarkable women out of the shadows\, giving them long-overdue recognition for their vital roles in supporting—and shaping—the men who helped found America. \nPBS Watch-Alike: The American Revolution  \nThis month’s watch-alike is The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns\, Sarah Botstein\, and David Schmidt. This six-part documentary series explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year war for independence. An expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America. This series follows dozens of figures from a variety of backgrounds to paint a captivating picture of America’s founding and the war that turned the world upside down. Premiering November 16th on PBS and the PBS app. \n About the AuthorStephanie Dray \n\nStephanie Dray is a New York Times\, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. Now she lives in Maryland with her husband\, cats\, and history books.\n\nLaura Kamoie \n\nA New York Times\, Wall Street Journal\, and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction\, Laura Kamoie has always been fascinated by the people\, stories\, and physical presence of the past\, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary\, published two non-fiction books on early America\, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction.\n\n About the Hosts\nPrincess Weekes\nPrincess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race\, gender\, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue\, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast\, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat\, Lola. \n\n\nLauren Smith\nExecutive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS\, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast\, streaming\, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring\, entertaining\, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent\, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years! URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/americas-first-daughter-by-stephanie-dray-laura-kamoie-readers-club-ep-211/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PBSBOOKS-211-americas-first-daughter.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251203T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251203T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251120T165151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T155132Z UID:14435-1764792000-1764795600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Alaska | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 106 DESCRIPTION:Pack your parka and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we make the trek to Alaska on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip! Join us on December 3rd at 8pm EST/4pm AKST for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more. \nInspired by the shimmering dance of the Northern Lights and the sweeping expanse of its landscape\, Alaskans have been weaving stories long before the written word. For centuries\, Indigenous peoples have passed these stories down through oral traditions\, dance\, and artistic expression. With the arrival of adventurers like Jack London (Call of the Wild)\, conservationists like Margaret Murie (Two in the Far North)\, anthropologists like Frederica de Laguna (Travels Among the Dena)\, and even its first Poet Laureate John Haines (The Stars\, The Snow\, The Fire)–Alaska’s literary tradition has expanded in ways that continue to celebrate what makes this state so unique. \nHear from today’s writers who carry forward this deep connection to the land including Native voices like Velma Wallis\, who honors the importance of preserving tribal stories in works like Two Old Women\, and children’s author and illustrator Michaela Goade\, who celebrates traditional wild food harvests in Berry Song. Dana Stabenow intertwines Alaska’s rich history throughout her novels\, including the Kate Shugak series\, and Seth Kantner explores the stark differences from life in the Far North to modern American culture in Ordinary Wolves. Nancy Lord continues the conservationist narrative with Early Warming\, linking environmental stewardship to Alaska’s literary legacy. \nAlaska’s vast and wild landscape lends itself to awe-inspiring places to visit\, from literary landmarks like Poems in Place to inspiring guided tours through Southeast Alaska’s nature. Fly into Anchorage and pay a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and be sure to stop at Mosquito books while you wait for your plane to depart for your next location. There are many local libraries and bookstores throughout this expansive state. \nAbout American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/alaska-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip-episode-106/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alaska.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251204T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251204T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251201T190820Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T191529Z UID:14574-1764878400-1764882000@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Wallace House Presents: A book talk with Jake Tapper & Javed Ali DESCRIPTION:PBS Books is proud to stream a special conversation presented by Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. This insightful book event features CNN anchor and bestselling author Jake Tapper in conversation with national security expert Javed Ali. \nTogether\, they explore Tapper’s gripping nonfiction thriller\, Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War. With the precision of investigative journalism\, the book follows two U.S. attorneys in a race to prosecute an al Qaeda operative following a pivotal 2011 confession. Tapper uncovers the high-stakes intelligence operation behind a dramatic yet little-known case at the outset of the War on Terror. \nIn this compelling discussion\, learn how prosecutors\, soldiers\, and intelligence agents worked across borders in the pursuit of justice—and what this story reveals about the evolving threats we continue to face today. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/wallace-house-presents-a-book-talk-with-jake-tapper-and-javed-ali/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Tapper-1090-x-681-px-1920-x-1080-px.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251210T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251121T153314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T200308Z UID:14525-1765396800-1765400400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Indiana | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 107 DESCRIPTION:Fasten your seatbelt and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress for our next stop in  American Stories: A Reading Road Trip: Indiana! Join us on December 10th at 8pm EST for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more. \nAt the crossroads of America lies Indiana—a state with a literary culture as golden as an ear of corn. The Golden Age of Indiana literature gave us treasures like Booth Tarkington’s The Magnificent Ambersons\, James Whitcomb Riley’s poetry about Little Orphan Annie\, Lew Wallace’s epic Ben-Hur\, and Gene Stratton-Porter’s environmentally conscious A Girl of the Limberlost. The 1960s and ’70s ushered in a powerful movement of Black writers\, including poets Mari Evans (I Am a Black Woman) and Etheridge Knight (Poems from Prison). The Hoosier state has also brought us beloved cartoon characters like Garfield and Clifford the Big Red Dog. And no conversation about Indiana literature would be complete without Kurt Vonnegut’s dark and poignant novels such as Slaughterhouse-Five. \nToday’s Hoosier writers are carrying that torch forward with equal brilliance. Hear from Newbery Award winner Kimberly Brubaker Bradley\, who takes on difficult topics for kids delicately in novels like Fighting Words; YA author Leah Johnson\, who shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices like You Should See Me in a Crown; and bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler\, who drew inspiration from her Bloomington childhood in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves. \nThis layered literary past has left landmarks throughout the state—from museums and murals to authors’ homes and locations featured in books like the Funky Bones sculpture in Newfields from John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Indiana also boasts remarkable bookstores and libraries\, including more Carnegie libraries than any other state. \nAbout American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/indiana-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip-episode-107/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Indiana-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251217T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251217T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251119T192559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T142340Z UID:14543-1766001600-1766005200@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Our Favorite Books of 2025 | Reader's Club Episode 212 DESCRIPTION:PBS Books Readers Club celebrates the wrap of its second season with a highlight of our favorite author moments and books from 2025. The episode premieres on December 17th at 8pm EST as a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAs the PBS Books Readers Club closes out an incredible year\, Fred\, Lauren\, Princess\, and Heather look back on the stories\, conversations\, and unforgettable moments that defined our reading journey. From inspiring interviews and behind-the-scenes memories to moments that made us laugh\, this episode celebrates the books that brought our community together. \nFrom powerful tales of women breaking boundaries and shaping history—like The Women by Kristin Hannah and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus—to laugh-out-loud favorites including The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding. We revisited the past through America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie\, uncovered family secrets in Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson\, and found heart in Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes. We even got our Jane Austen fix with Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen\, and were captivated by the spine-tingling mystery of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Bewitching. \nAfter reminiscing on some of our favorite moments with these incredible authors\, the hosts—Fred\, Lauren\, Princess\, and Heather—share their own favorite books of the year\, reflecting on the stories that inspired\, delighted\, and stayed with them throughout 2025. If you’re looking for your next read or maybe want to find the perfect gift for your book buddies\, then this list is for you! URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/our-favorite-books-of-2025-readers-club-episode-212/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/PBSBOOKS-211.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260107T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260107T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251120T170132Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T203628Z UID:14553-1767816000-1767819600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:The American Revolution: PBS Books Filmmaker Talk DESCRIPTION:Join PBS Books for an in-depth Filmmaker Talk featuring filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein and authors Geoffrey C. Ward and Rick Atkinson\, who come together to explore the making of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION — a landmark six-part documentary that examines how America's founding struggle reshaped the world. Hosted by Lauren Smith\, this conversation dives deep into the themes\, creative process\, and personal reflections behind this epic documentary series\, highlighting how these storytellers bring to life a wide variety of voices to show how the fight for independence was both personal and global.   \nThe American Revolution\, directed by Ken Burns\, Sarah Botstein\, and David Schmidt\, and written by Geoffrey C. Ward\, is available on the PBS App. Check local listings for upcoming broadcast dates and times in your area. For more on the film and accompanying resources\, please visit pbs.org/americanrevolution.   \nExplore Our American Revolution Reading List  \nExpand your understanding of the people\, ideas\, and events that shaped our nation.\nPBS Books invites you to dive deeper into the world of the American Revolution with a curated reading list inspired by the landmark film series.  \nThis collection highlights nonfiction\, fiction\, and children's titles that bring history to life—from firsthand accounts and scholarly works to stories that explore the Revolution's lasting legacy through different lenses. Each title helps illuminate the human experiences behind America's founding struggle and the evolving meaning of liberty and democracy.  \nWhether you're a history enthusiast\, educator\, or lifelong learner\, these books will help you reflect on the values that continue to shape our nation today.  \nDownload and print the American Revolution Reading List \nDownload & PrintCorporate funding for The American Revolution was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for The American Revolution was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. The American Revolution was made possible\, in part\, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/the-american-revolution-pbs-books-filmmaker-talk/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AmRev-PBSBooks-6-Updated1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260113T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260113T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260105T215156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T215428Z UID:14744-1768302000-1768312800@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Detroit Economic Club: Michigan Economic Outlook DESCRIPTION:Prepare to look ahead at the forces that will shape Michigan’s 2026 economy. Our panel of leading experts will examine the state’s most pressing challenges — from trade policy impact\, business/talent attraction to the future of manufacturing and more. \nResults of the 14th annual Michigan Economic Outlook Survey will be unveiled at this meeting. This highly collaborative effort involves input from businesspeople and associations throughout the state. \nPanelists: \nMary Buchzeiger – CEO\, Lucerne International\nQuentin Messer\, Jr. – Chief Executive and Economic Competitiveness Officer\, Michigan Economic Development Corp.\nGabriel Ehrlich – Director of Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics\, University of Michigan URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/detroit-economic-club-michigan-economic-outlook/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/01.13.26-2026-Michigan-Economic-Outlook.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260114T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260114T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251216T143837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T232023Z UID:14684-1768420800-1768424400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Author Talk: Catherine Newman DESCRIPTION:PBS Books invites audiences to a special Author Talk featuring New York Times bestselling author Catherine Newman\, presented as part of the PBS Books Caregiving Initiative. Hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla\, National Director of PBS Books\, alongside Juliane Morian\, Library Director at Rochester Hills Public Library\, this live conversation will explore Newman’s novels Sandwich and Wreck—two deeply resonant stories that reflect the humor\, tenderness\, and emotional complexity of caring for others and navigating family life. \nNewman’s work is celebrated for its ability to illuminate the everyday moments that shape our lives\, blending warmth\, wit\, and honesty. During this conversation\, she will discuss how Sandwich and Wreck examine the evolving dynamics of family\, responsibility\, and love\, and how storytelling can offer comfort\, recognition\, and connection for caregivers at every stage of life. \nThe PBS Books Caregiving Initiative shines a light on the many aspects of caregiving. This program acknowledges that nearly everyone will be\, has been\, or is currently a caregiver\, and aims to foster understanding\, empathy\, and support through shared stories and meaningful dialogue. \nSupport for the PBS Books Caregiving Initiative is provided by the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson\, Jr. Foundation\, Michigan Health Endowment Fund\, and AARP Michigan\, with additional support from The Library Network and Rochester Hills Public Library. \n About the Books\nSANDWICH: A Novel \n\nFrom the beloved author of We All Want Impossible Things\, a moving\, hilarious story of a family summer vacation full of secrets\, lunch\, and learning to let go. \nFor the past two decades\, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories\, sunny days\, great meals\, and messes of all kinds: emotional\, marital\, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient plumbing—septic too. \nThis year’s vacation\, with Rocky sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents\, promises to be just as delightful as summers past—except\, perhaps\, for Rocky’s hormonal bouts of rage and melancholy. (Hello\, menopause!) Her body is changing—her life is\, too. And then a chain of events sends Rocky into the past\, reliving both the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers. \nIt’s one precious week: everything is in balance; everything is in flux. And when Rocky comes face to face with her family’s history and future\, she is forced to accept that she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves. \n\nWRECK: A Novel \nFollowing the success of her New York Times bestseller\, Sandwich\, Catherine Newman returns with her eagerly anticipated novel\, WRECK  a story filled with humor\, heart\, and the complicated truths about family\, marriage\, and the unexpected twists of life. \nWRECK reunites readers with Rocky and her wonderfully quirky family two years after their Cape Cod vacation. Now living in Western Massachusetts\, Rocky navigates the chaos of adult children moving back home\, the daily complexities of marriage\, and her father moving in under her roof. Everything seems ordinary until a local accident and a medical scare turn her world on its side. \nWith Newman’s signature wit and wisdom\, WRECK masterfully portrays the challenges and joys of family while exploring the unspoken rules of relationships and self-discovery. J. Courtney Sullivan describes the novel as “a delight” with prose that’s “laugh-out-loud funny” and “profound.” Alison Espach praises it as “the kind of book that pulls up a chair\, pours the wine\, and dives deep—equal parts hilarious\, sharp\, and achingly sincere.” Perfect for fans of warm\, witty\, and deeply relatable storytelling\, WRECK captures the humor and heartbreak of everyday life with unforgettable charm and wisdom. \n\n About the Author\nCatherine Newman \nCatherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy\, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night\, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp\, the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things\, Sandwich\, and Wreck.   She has been a regular contributor to the New York Times\, Real Simple\, O\, The Oprah Magazine\, Cup of Jo\, and many other publications. She writes Crone Sandwich on Substack and lives in Amherst\, Massachusetts. \n\n About the HostsHeather-Marie Montilla \nHeather-Marie Montilla\, a dynamic integrative leader\, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades\, making a positive impact in arts\, cultural\, educational\, and community-building arenas. \nHaving joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018\, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition\, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years\, Heather has a wide range of experience in management\, finance\, strategic planning\, marketing\, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University\, a MLIS from Wayne State University\, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland\, and is married with four children\, a dog\, and a bird. \nJuliane Morian \nJuliane Morian is the Library Director at Rochester Hills Public Library. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/author-talk-catherine-newman/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Caregiving-Author-Talk.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260119T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260119T113000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260116T183815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T184304Z UID:14771-1768816800-1768822200@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice | MLK Keynote Memorial Lecture DESCRIPTION:The University of Michigan presents 40th Annual Keynote Memorial Lecture featuring Donzaleigh Abernathy and Derrick Johnson: “Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice”\n\nDr. Martin Luther King\, Jr.\, taught us that the pursuit of justice is neither linear nor easy. On December 11\, 1964\, Dr. King accepted the Nobel Peace Prize and gave a speech entitled “The Quest for Peace and Justice.” In it\, he said:\n\n\n\n“But before we reach the majestic shores of the Promised Land\, there is a frustrating and bewildering wilderness ahead. We must still face prodigious hilltops of opposition and gigantic mountains of resistance. But with patient and firm determination\, we will press on…” \n\n\nAs we honor Dr. King’s legacy\, we center our reflection and action around the theme: Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice. This theme calls on us to embody both the refusal to yield to injustice and the irrepressible resolve to answer the call to equality\, even when the path is steep and the journey long.\n\nTo learn more about the MLK Symposium\, visit https://oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Speakers\n\n\nDonzaleigh Abernathy\nDonzaleigh Abernathy is the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Rev. Ralph David Abernathy and godchild of Martin Luther King\, Jr.\, grew up at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement\, witnessing and participating in pivotal events such as the Freedom Rides\, the March on Washington\, and the Selma to Montgomery march. She and her siblings helped integrate schools in the South and observed historic decisions shaping American law\, including the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. Abernathy later authored “Partners to History\,” contributed to the Smithsonian\, and won awards for her dramatic works. \nAbernathy has been a prominent speaker on civil rights and implicit bias\, addressing audiences at major conferences and universities\, including Harvard and Michigan State. She’s had a distinguished acting career in acclaimed films and television\, produced educational documentaries\, and written and performed plays celebrating African American history. She has also served as a foundation trustee\, CDC spokesperson\, and volunteers for juvenile justice in Los Angeles. \nDerrick Johnson\nDerrick Johnson has served as President and CEO of the NAACP since 2017\, guiding the organization through a period of revitalization. Under his leadership\, the NAACP has launched impactful initiatives such as the Facebook “Log Out” campaign against misinformation\, the Jamestown to Jamestown Partnership marking 400 years of African history in America\, and the “We Are Done Dying” campaign highlighting healthcare inequities. Johnson also led the successful 2020 Supreme Court case protecting DACA recipients and has taken strong stances on issues like blackface\, church burnings\, and the impeachment of President Donald Trump. \nBorn in Detroit and a graduate of Tougaloo College and South Texas College of Law\, Johnson has dedicated his career to advancing civil rights and improving communities\, especially in Mississippi. As state president of the NAACP in Mississippi\, he championed voting rights and education\, helping secure millions in local improvements. Johnson is a respected legal and academic contributor\, guest-lecturing at institutions such as Harvard Law School and appearing regularly in national media to advocate for justice and equality. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/unbowed-and-unbroken-the-enduring-struggle-for-justice-mlk-keynote-memorial-lecture/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MLK-Symposium.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260128T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260128T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20251216T193905Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T201145Z UID:14726-1769630400-1769634000@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:"Once There Were Wolves" by Charlotte McConaghy | Readers Club Episode 301 DESCRIPTION:PBS Books Readers Club is excited to kick off its third season with New York Times bestselling author Charlotte McConaghy to discuss her novel Once There Were Wolves and shed light on her brand-new highly acclaimed novel Wild Dark Shore. The episode premieres on January 28th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nOnce There Were Wolves follows Inti Flynn as she arrives in the remote Scottish Highlands with a bold mission: to reintroduce gray wolves to a landscape ravaged by overgrazing. Fierce\, determined\, and carrying her own bruised history\, Inti believes restoring the wolves is the key to healing the land—and perhaps herself. But when a man from the community turns up dead\, suspicion falls squarely on the pack. To protect the animals she’s worked tirelessly to save\, Inti makes a fateful choice that entangles her in a mystery far more human than anyone expects. \nLyrical\, haunting\, and deeply atmospheric\, Once There Were Wolves blends environmental suspense and our unique bond with animals with an intimate portrait of trauma\, sisterhood\, and resilience. It’s a riveting story that asks how we learn to trust again—in nature\, in one another\, and in ourselves. It’s perfect for readers who crave emotional depth wrapped in a gripping\, propulsive narrative. \nPBS Books Readers Club will also glimpse into McConaghy’s newest novel\, Wild Dark Shore. This emotional thriller follows Dominic Salt and his three children\, lone caretakers of a remote island’s seed vault as climate change closes in. When a mysterious woman named Rowan washes ashore during a brutal storm\, their fragile isolation and buried secrets begin to unravel. As the sea rises and the truth about Rowan’s past—and Dominic’s—comes to light\, trust is tested\, loyalties shift\, and the stakes become more than just survival. \n About the Hosts\nPrincess Weekes\nPrincess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race\, gender\, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue\, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast\, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat\, Lola. \n\n\nLauren Smith\nExecutive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS\, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast\, streaming\, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring\, entertaining\, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent\, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years! URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/once-there-were-wolves-by-charlotte-mcconaghy-readers-club-episode-301/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PBSBOOKS-rc-wolves-301.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260130T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260130T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T180303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T202939Z UID:14876-1769803200-1769806800@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Deepa Butoliya | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:Design Beyond the Center: Stories of Jugaad\, Resilience\, and Collective Knowledge\nDeepa Butoliya is a designer\, researcher\, and educator whose work celebrates human ingenuity and creativity in the face of constraint. Born and raised in India and now based in the United States\, she explores how design practices from around the world — especially those rooted in improvisation\, resilience\, and care — can expand how we think about innovation. \nHer ongoing research centers on Jugaad\, a Hindi term meaning ​“making do with what you have.” More than a practice\, Jugaad represents a mindset of resourcefulness and adaptability. Deepa’s work traces this spirit of everyday creativity across cultures and connects it to movements of resistance and repair. In Detroit\, she co-curated Jugaad in the D: Ingenuity and Resistance in Detroit and Motown Masala\, exhibitions that highlight the city’s vibrant culture of grassroots innovation and collective resilience. \nTrained as both an architect and industrial designer\, Butoliya holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has taught at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Illinois at Chicago\, and has worked with organizations including the Development Lab at MIT and GE Healthcare. Her research and workshops have been presented at international conferences such as IDSA\, Making Futures\, EPIC\, CHI\, IASDR\, and Speculative Futures. \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/deepa-butoliya-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Deepa-Butoliya.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260204T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260204T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260116T190833Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T211408Z UID:14777-1770235200-1770238800@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Washington | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 108 DESCRIPTION:Buckle up and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit the state of Washington on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on February 4th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more. \nJoin us in the Evergreen State to hear about the legacy of writers shaped by their time in the Pacific Northwest—from sci-fi legends like Frank Herbert’s iconic Dune series and Octavia Butler’s speculative Parable of the Sower to more lighthearted tales like Tom Robbins’ satirical novel Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. Rediscover powerful classics like the short stories and poems of Raymond Carver (Cathedral) and the fictional reckoning with the Asian American experience during WWII in John Okada’s No-No Boy. \nHear from today’s writers living in Washington’s vibrant literary scene who have a knack for blending genres: Jess Walter’s comedy thriller So Far Gone\, Donna Barba Higuera’s (The Last Cuentista) fusion of Hispanic heritage with science fiction\, and Timothy Egan’s (The Big Burn) riveting narrative nonfictions that retell American history. Alongside them are authors who share stories often left untold\, including Coast Salish writer Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe and her memoir Red Paint\, and Frank Abe’s reflections on mass injustice in the propelling graphic novel We Hereby Refuse. \nAmid the mountains and thousands of miles of coastline lies a book lover’s paradise. Washington boasts a thriving independent bookstore scene—with island bookshops and fantastic libraries\, including the Seattle Central Library\, which houses over one million books and doubles as an architectural landmark. But it’s not just brick-and-mortar institutions that inspire travelers; the landscape itself sparks literary imagination. The lush green Hoh Rainforest serves as the stunning backdrop for novels like the Twilight series\, while the rugged peaks and misty shores have long fueled the region’s storytelling tradition. \nEpisode Book ListAbout American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/washington-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip-episode-108/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Washington-Thumbnail-scaled.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260206T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260206T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T180915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T140824Z UID:14882-1770408000-1770411600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Julia Keefe and the Indigenous Big Band | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:Resilience and Brilliance in Indigenous Jazz\nFor hundreds of years\, songs have been the vessels for stories\, lessons\, and prayers for the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. One of the newest additions to this world is the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band\, which presented its very first concert in 2022. The band focuses on reimagined traditional melodies made famous by Indigenous jazz musicians from the past\, like singer Mildred Bailey (Coeur d’Alene) and saxophonist Jim Pepper (Kaw/​Mvskoke)\, as well as new works that push the genre forward. \nLed by the celebrated vocalist and luminary Julia Keefe (Nez Percé)\, the ensemble brings charisma\, passion\, and purpose to every stage\, leaving audiences both inspired and educated. The band has quickly gained a reputation for deepening and challenging our understanding of the ​“uniquely American” art form known as jazz. The goals of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band are to celebrate and continue that tradition\, to compose and perform new music inspired by traditional backgrounds\, and to create a community of like-minded peoples from all backgrounds to uplift the next generation of Indigenous jazz musicians. \nIndigenous jazz musicians\, ensembles\, and big bands have their place in the contemporary jazz world and jazz history. Following 19th-century federal policies to remove Indian children from their homes and indoctrinate them into European culture (Indian Boarding Schools)\, small ensembles and big bands began to flourish on reservations across the US and Canada in the first half of the Twentieth Century. Indigenous musicians started to ascend to celebrity with jazz as their medium – including Russell ​“Big Chief” Moore\, Mildred Bailey\, Oscar Pettiford\, and Jim Pepper – but were never duly credited as Indigenous visionaries in the genre. \nThe Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band reflects a wide range of Indigenous identities\, from South America to Canada\, Northeast to Southwest. Together\, they represent a long-silenced\, long-forgotten chapter of jazz history: the participation\, contribution\, innovation\, and legacy of Indigenous jazz musicians. This is a legacy that seasoned composers and arrangers Julia Keefe and co-founder Delbert Anderson (Diné) carry forward through original works inspired by songs and rhythms of their Native heritage\, reimagined through the language and stylings of jazz. \nPresented in partnership with the University Musical Society\, the talk will be followed by the band’s performance presented by UMS\, beginning at 8 PM. \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/julia-keefe-and-the-indigenous-big-band-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Julia-Keefe.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260211T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260211T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260202T192632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T192710Z UID:14944-1770840000-1770843600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Filmmaker Talk with Kim A. Snyder\, "The Librarians" DESCRIPTION:In this timely PBS Books Filmmaker Talk\, award-winning director and producer Kim A. Snyder joins host Heather-Marie Montilla for an in-depth conversation about The Librarians\, the powerful new documentary that examines the growing national debate over access to information and the freedom to read. \nCreated in conjunction with the February 9 premiere of The Librarians on PBS\, the film follows librarians across the United States who find themselves on the frontlines of an escalating struggle over library collections\, intellectual freedom\, and democratic values. During this conversation\, Snyder reflects on the four-year journey behind the film\, from its origins in Texas to its expansion into a national story. \nThe discussion also explores the human dimension of the film: the integrity and courage of librarians\, the communities that stand beside them\, and the broader implications for education\, public life\, and First Amendment rights. Grounded in storytelling rather than partisanship\, The Librarians invites viewers into a necessary conversation about who gets to decide what stories are available—and why that question matters to us all. \nThis PBS Books Filmmaker Talk encourages audiences to reflect\, engage\, and continue the dialogue in their own communities\, libraries\, and classrooms. \nThe Librarians will stream on the PBS App and PBS Stations\, check your local listings. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPBS Watch-Alike: Independent Lens | The Librarians\nThe Librarians traces how library collection standards are impacting communities across the U.S. Librarians find themselves on the frontlines of debates as they navigate the review of library materials that includes books with LGBTQIA+ and race-related themes. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/filmmaker-talk-with-the-librarians/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Librarian-Filmmaker-Talk-16x9-Event-Thumbnails.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260213T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260213T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T181853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T140853Z UID:14889-1771012800-1771016400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Rick Lowe | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:In Spite Of\nRick Lowe is an American artist who pairs paintings\, drawings\, and installations with collaborative\, community-based projects developed in the tradition of Joseph Beuys’ concept of ​“social sculpture.” Working closely with individuals and communities\, he has identified many ways to harness creativity to address concerns around equity and justice. Beginning with his co-founding of Project Row Houses (1993 – 2008) in Houston’s Third Ward and continuing through other initiatives across the United States and internationally\, Lowe aims to catalyze sustainable change to promote understanding\, equity\, and justice. \nIn his studio-based practice\, Lowe combines painting and collage to develop works — often at an expansive scale — that take an exploratory approach to geography and abstraction. Inspired in part by patterns of domino games that he plays to engage with community members worldwide\, he notes correspondences between the dense\, layered arrangements of domino tiles and maps of urban districts. The vibrant paintings that emerge suggest cartographic configurations and transformations of civic structures and relationships over time. \nBorn in Russell County\, Alabama\, Lowe lives and works in Houston. Since 2016\, he has taught at the University of Houston’s College of the Arts as a professor of interdisciplinary practice. Among his many honors\, he received the Heinz Award in the Arts and Humanities in 2002\, was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2014\, and was the Roy Lichtenstein Artist in Residence at the American Academy in Rome in 2024. \nLowe has been working as part of the U‑M Arts Initiative’s Creators on Campus program as artist in residence with the Institute for Social Research (ISR) over the last two years\, collaborating with students and researchers in preparation for his upcoming exhibition at UMMA. The exhibition\, featuring his ongoing project\, Black Wall Street Journey\, will open in August 2026. \nPresented in partnership with the Institute for Social Research\, Arts Initiative\, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art. \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/rick-lowe-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Rick-Lowe.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260218T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260218T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260210T150821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T032353Z UID:14970-1771444800-1771448400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:U.S. Virgin Islands | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 109 DESCRIPTION:Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit the U.S. Virgin Islands in our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on February 18th at 8pm ET for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more. \nJourney to the Caribbean paradise of the U.S. Virgin Islands\, where history drifts on the ocean breeze and stories ripple far beyond the shores. Rooted in generations of oral and written tradition\, these narratives stretch from the formidable youth of Alexander Hamilton\, who would help shape a nation\, to D. Hamilton Jackson\, whose fight for a free press forever changed the islands and founded The Herald. This legacy had endured with voices like Dr. Marilyn Krigger\, (Race Relations in the U.S. Virgin Islands)\, and J. Antonio Jarvis\, founder of the Daily News and author of The Virgin Islands and Their People\, each carrying forward dialogs that continue to define the islands today. \nHear from the writers shaping the U.S. Virgin Islands’ literary present and future. Cadwell Turnbull’s The Lesson uses speculative storytelling to interrogate colonial legacy\, power\, and resilience\, while Tiphanie Yanique\, author of Monster in the Middle\, brings a lyrical intimacy to island life and its complexities. Angela Golden Bryan’s James and the Fireburn preserves and elevates Crucian storytelling traditions\, connecting past and present through story. Discover The Caribbean Writer\, the annual journal that amplifies voices from across the islands and the Caribbean diaspora\, and explore a literary heritage rooted in memory\, imagination\, and the enduring power of the written word. Together\, these works reflect a profound engagement with history\, identity\, and place. \nThe islands may be small\, but their devotion to books\, history\, and cultural memory is immense. Be inspired by statues honoring the Queens of the Fireburn\, whose courage helped ignite a labor revolution that reshaped the islands. Wander streets lined with buildings dating back to the 1500s\, and explore historic landmarks like Fort Christian on St. Thomas—once a bulwark against pirates. Along the way\, step into local bookstores that do far more than sell books; these spaces serve as vibrant cultural hubs\, fostering art\, conversation\, and community while keeping the islands’ stories alive for generations to come. \nAbout American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/us-virgin-islands-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip-episode-109/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/RRT-USVI-Thumbnail.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260220T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260220T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T185704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T140933Z UID:14893-1771617600-1771621200@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Basil Twist | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:The Alchemy of Puppetry\nBasil Twist is a visionary\, third-generation puppeteer whose work has reshaped contemporary puppetry worldwide. A San Francisco native and the only American graduate of France’s École Supérieure Nationale des Arts de la Marionnette\, he gained national attention with The Araneidae Show and the ground-breaking multiple award-winning Symphonie Fantastique\, which revealed him as a singular artist of unlimited imagination. His inventive\, genre-defying productions — from Petrushka and Dogugaeshi to Arias with a Twist (co-created with nightlife icon Joey Arias) — have toured internationally. \nDeeply musical in nature\, Twist’s love of music has led to major opera collaborations at the Opéra Comique\, English National Opera\, Houston Grand Opera\, and Vienna State Opera. Other operatic highlights include Hansel and Gretel and La Bella Dormente Nel Bosco\, and De Falla’s Master Peters Pupper Show with Eos Orchestra. \nIn dance\, he has created puppetry for works by Christopher Wheeldon\, Pilobolus\, the Joffrey Ballet\, Dutch National Ballet\, San Francisco Ballet\, Royal Ballet\, and Joe Goode Dance Company\, and adapted Petrushka for symphony orchestras and City Center’s Fall for Dance.  \nTwist created the siblings in Paula Vogel’s The Long Christmas Ride Home at Trinity Repertory\, The Long Wharf\, and The Vineyard Theatre\, including directing and designing the West Coast première at The Magic Theatre. He also designed the play-within-a-play for Oskar Eustis’ Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park and worked on Des McAnuff’s Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots at La Jolla Playhouse. Broadway credits include puppetry design for Charlie and The Chocolate Factory\, Oh\, Hello!\, and The Addams Family\, as well as puppetry direction for the Pee-Wee Herman Show. A longtime collaborator with the late Lee Breuer and Mabou Mines\, Twist also worked on Peter and Wendy\, Red Beads\, and A Streetcar Named Desire at the Comédie Française. \nTwist has received a MacArthur Fellowship\, Rome Prize\, Guggenheim Fellowship\, Doris Duke Performing Artist Award\, USA Fellowship\, and multiple Obie\, Drama Desk\, Bessie\, UNIMA\, and Henry Hewes Awards. He directs the internationally recognized Dream Music Puppetry Program at HERE in New York City. \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/basil-twist-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Basil-Twist.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260225T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260225T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260202T182700Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T195414Z UID:14931-1772049600-1772053200@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Book Picks for Black History Month with Princess Weekes and Lauren Smith | Readers Club Episode 302 DESCRIPTION:In this special episode of the PBS Books Readers Club\, hosts Princess Weekes and Lauren Smith recommend their favorite Black History Month reads. The episode will be available on PBS Books YouTube Chanel on February 1st\, and as a Facebook Live Event on February 25th at 8pm EST. \nFebruary is Black History Month\, and in 2026 we mark a major milestone: 100 years of national Black history commemorations. What began as a weeklong observance has grown into an annual opportunity to reflect\, learn\, and celebrate Black history\, culture\, and contributions. In this special episode\, PBS Books Readers Club hosts Lauren Smith and Princess Weekes share book recommendations that spotlight and celebrate Black authors. \nPrincess reflects\, “I think so often Black literature is used for educational or sociological purposes. And that’s great\, but we have rich narratives outside of that. So\, I was looking for stories about Black people being complicated\, messy\, and trying to find love— because\, you know\, I love a romance!” \nWhich books make the list? From a sweeping reimagining of The Great Gatsby to a gritty Southern crime saga\, this list spans intimate family histories\, cultural touchstones\, and stories that wrestle with faith\, desire\, and belonging. Expect bold voices\, moral reflections and unforgettable communities. Join Lauren and Princess as they reveal their picks and share a few on their personal TBR lists. \nPBS Watch-Alike: Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven HistoryThis new PBS documentary series hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the deep\, complex relationship between Black and Jewish Americans across U.S. history. Tracing moments of solidarity\, shared struggle\, cultural exchange\, and periods of tension\, the series examines how these two communities have shaped American life—While also reflecting on the challenges and need for cooperation in the face of ongoing injustices. \nSeries premiere Tuesday\, February 3rd @ 9ET\, on PBS\, the PBS app and pbs.org \n About the Hosts\nPrincess Weekes\nPrincess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race\, gender\, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue\, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast\, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat\, Lola. \n\n\nLauren Smith\nExecutive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS\, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast\, streaming\, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring\, entertaining\, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent\, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years! URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/book-picks-for-black-history-month-with-princess-weekes-and-lauren-smith-readers-club-episode-302/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/maxresdefault-13.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260304T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260304T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260225T155356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T172458Z UID:15904-1772654400-1772658000@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Arkansas | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 110 DESCRIPTION:Fasten your seatbelts and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit Arkansas on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on March 4th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more. \nFrom the Ozark Mountains in the north\, to the flat farmlands of the Delta\, Arkansas has been inspiring writers for generations. In the small town of Stamps\, Maya Angelou found her voice again and immortalized it in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In Little Rock\, journalist and activist Daisy Bates (Long Shadow of Little Rock) stood on the steps of Central High School\, mentoring the Little Rock Nine through one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Southern fiction writers like Charles Portis (True Grit) and John Grisham (A Painted House) proved that Arkansas stories could captivate the world\, and poets like Miller Williams (Some Jazz a While)\, Henry Dumas (Poetry for My People)\, and C.D. Wright (Lake Echo\, Dear) ensured its literary legacy ran just as deep. \nThe Natural State’s sweeping landscapes and layered histories continue to foster bold imaginations today. Speculative writer Ayana Gray (I\, Medusa) and children’s book author Katie Duffield (Start Your Engines) both credit Arkansas’ rich sense of place as a creative wellspring. And writers like Daniel Black (Isaac’s Song) and Eli Cranor (Don’t Know Tough) take an unflinching look behind the curtain of Southern life\, exploring the beauty and the struggle with honesty. \nFor book lovers\, Arkansas is as much a destination as it is an inspiration. The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) boasts remarkable branches that champion local literature\, while independent bookshops across the state proudly support homegrown talent. Literary pilgrims can also walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters — tracing Mattie Ross’s journey from True Grit along the trail from Dardanelle to the real-life courtroom of Judge Isaac Parker\, now preserved as part of a national historic site. \n\n \n About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/arkansas-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip-episode-110/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Arkansas-Thumbnail.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260311T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260311T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260227T201421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T202107Z UID:15961-1773259200-1773262800@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Iowa | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 111 DESCRIPTION:Buckle up and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit Iowa on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on March 11th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more. \nBetween the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers lies Iowa\, a state steeped in stories. Before statehood\, Chief Black Hawk gave voice to his people through his dictated autobiography\, Life of Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak\, a rare and powerful firsthand account of the Sauk people’s forced removal during the Black Hawk War. Another long-overlooked voice is Mildred Benson\, a novelist and journalist who wrote over 100 books in her lifetime\, including 23 of the first 30 Nancy Drew mysteries under the pen name Carolyn Keene. \nAnother significant Iowan is Forrest Spaulding\, who turned his belief in free speech into action\, authoring the landmark Library Bill of Rights — a document still used today to affirm that libraries have the right to curate their collections and that readers have the right to choose what they read. \nIowa has also shaped the literary world through the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa\, which counts among its alumni celebrated and award-winning authors like John Irving (The World According to Garp) as well as multiple U.S. Poets Laureate\, including Rita Dove (Thomas and Beulah). \nAmong the celebrated alumni of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley\, whose time in Iowa inspired novels like A Thousand Acres and The Last Hundred Years saga. Hear how Iowa shaped her stories\, alongside New York Times bestselling authors who still call the state home today\, including thriller writer Heather Gudenkauf (The Overnight Guest) and romance author Denise Williams (How to Fail at Flirting). \nIowans love their libraries! With 544 public libraries\, the state ranks 8th in the nation per capita for registered borrowers\, and with local branches that serve their communities all the way up to the grand State Law Library in Des Moines\, it’s no wonder. Book lovers can also embark on a statewide tour of independent bookstores featuring over 40 stops\, coordinated by the owner of Green Dragon Books in Fort Dodge. And no literary tour of Iowa would be complete without a visit to Iowa City\, one of only a handful of UNESCO Cities of Literature in the world\, where the celebrated Literature Walk pays tribute to the writers and words that have shaped the state’s rich storytelling tradition. \n\n \n About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/iowa-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Iowa-Thumbnail.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260318T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260318T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260227T201846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T162704Z UID:15967-1773864000-1773867600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Nevada | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 112 DESCRIPTION:Saddle up and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit Nevada for our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on March 18th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, the PBS app\, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.  \nNevada — the Silver State — is known for its long history of mining and the bright lights of Las Vegas. But there is far more to this vast state than the neon glow of the Strip. It is where Samuel Clemens worked as a frontier reporter and adopted the pen name Mark Twain\, wrote Roughing It\, and went on to become one of America’s most notorious authors. Where Sarah Winnemucca survived the forced displacement of her people\, rose to become a fierce activist for Indigenous rights\, and penned her powerful memoir Life Among the Paiutes. As settlers pushed westward chasing silver and gold\, stories traveled with them\, from tall tales of frontier life to John C. Frémont’s expedition accounts of the Great Basin. And no conversation about Nevada literature would be complete without Walter Van Tilburg Clark’s morally gripping The Ox-Bow Incident and Robert Laxalt’s portrait of immigrant identity in Sweet Promised Land.  \nNevada’s literary scene is very much alive today. Current Nevada Poet Laureate Shaun Griffin (Anthem for a Burnished Land) has built a legacy both on and off the page\, teaching creative writing in prisons and working to expand those programs across the state. Former Poet Laureate Gailmarie Pahmeier also contributes to the state’s creative landscape with Of Bone\, of Ash\, of Ordinary Saints\, a love song to Nevada and all the strangers that pass through. Robert Laxalt’s grandson Gabriel Urza (The Silver State) carries on the family’s storytelling tradition\, reflecting Nevada in his own acclaimed works. And nonfiction writer Michael Branch (On the Trail of the Jackalope) uses humor and sharp observation to shed light on real environmental concerns facing the American West.  \nFrom the towering aspens of the Sierra Nevada to the open plains of the Great Basin\, Nevada offers a wealth of literary destinations worth exploring. In Reno\, the Downtown Reno Library impresses visitors with its living plant installations and almost otherworldly atmosphere\, while The Radical Cat bookstore doubles as a cat adoption center\, and the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame celebrates the state’s rich literary legacy. In Southern Nevada\, book lovers can enjoy Las Vegas’s vibrant arts scene while visiting The Writer’s Block and checking out another literary gem\, the West Las Vegas Library. Each year\, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko brings together voices that keep the spirit of the American West alive.  \n\n \n About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip\nPack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book\, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures. \nFrom iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores\, amazing libraries\, and the real-life locations that inspired great works\, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way\, we’ll meet bestselling authors\, passionate booksellers\, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday\, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart\, history\, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling. \nNew episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event\, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nAbout the Library of Congress\nThe Library of Congress is the world’s largest library\, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections\, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov. \nAbout PBS Books\nPBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country\, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org\, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel\, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/nevada-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip/ LOCATION:Facebook Live ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nevada-Thumbnail.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260320T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260320T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T185720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T140804Z UID:14901-1774036800-1774040400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Shaka Senghor | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:How To Be Free\nShaka Senghor is an inspirational speaker\, entrepreneur\, and author of the bestselling books How To Be Free\, Writing My Wrongs\, and Letters to the Sons of Society. A sought-after resilience expert and recognized ​“Soul Igniter” in Oprah’s inaugural SuperSoul 100\, Senghor captivates and transforms audiences worldwide with his extraordinary journey from incarceration to influence. Through raw authenticity and profound insight\, he shares not only his story but also the resilience practices that fueled his own remarkable transformation\, showing that reinvention is not just possible — it is within everyone’s reach. \n\nIn How To Be Free\, Senghor offers a roadmap for breaking free from the self-doubt\, past narratives\, and fear of failure he calls ​“Hidden Prisons.” Drawing from lessons he learned during his 19 years in prison — including seven in solitary — he reveals the mindset and daily practices that transformed his life and can help anyone build their own foundation of freedom. Through journaling\, meditation\, mindfulness\, and creative expression\, he shows how to turn vision into action and step into full potential\, from deepening relationships to achieving career success. \nListening to How To Be Free\, audiences learn to transform setbacks into comebacks\, discover sustainable joy\, cultivate composure under pressure\, turn vulnerability into strength\, break cycles of grief and shame\, protect their energy while supporting others\, and create a personal blueprint to true freedom. Senghor provides both inspiration and practical steps\, making real change feel possible\, proving that freedom starts now. \nWith support from the Prison Creative Arts Project.  \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/shaka-senghor-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Shaka-Senghor.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260325T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260325T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260227T202752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T142147Z UID:15969-1774468800-1774472400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Debbie Horsfield: Head Writer and Executive Producer of The Forsytes | Readers Club Episode 303 DESCRIPTION:This March\, the PBS Books Readers Club takes on John Galsworthy’s classic novel series The Forsyte Saga\, a historical drama series and the inspiration for the highly anticipated PBS Masterpiece program\, The Forsytes. \nIn this special episode\, the PBS Books Readers Club welcomes one of Britain’s most celebrated television writers\, Debbie Horsfield\, Head Writer of The Forsytes. The episode premieres on March 25th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nThe Forsytes is a sweeping drama about a powerful Victorian family bound by wealth\, tradition\, and social expectations. Drama ensues as family members are tested by love\, ambition\, and betrayal. As fortunes rise and fall\, one question echoes across generations: Do you adhere to duty…or do you follow your heart? \nDebbie reflects\, “I think one of the themes of the of the series is… do you follow your head\, or do you follow your heart? Even if you follow your heart\, does it guarantee that it’s the right decision? If you follow your head\, does it guarantee it’s the wrong decision? \nJoin PBS Books Readers Club hosts Fred Nahhat and Lauren Smith as they talk with The Forsytes series Head Writer and Executive Producer\, Debbie Horsfield on how she approached this stunning reimagining of John Galsworthy’s classic Forsyte Saga novels to offer a fresh entry point and a deeper look into the world of the Forsyte family. Part prequel\, part re-examination\, the series expands the story by bringing the women of the family to the forefront\, revealing the personal costs of privilege in late-Victorian England. It’s a lush\, emotionally rich epic filled with romance\, conflict\, and unforgettable characters. \n\n \n PBS Watch-Alike: The ForsytesDesire\, ambition and betrayal simmer at the heart of the sumptuous costume drama\, The Forsytes. Don’t miss the US premiere of this highly-anticipated drama on Sunday\, March 22\, 2026\, 9/8c only on MASTERPIECE on PBS. \nThe Forsytes chronicles the trials and triumphs of a wealthy Victorian stockbroking family\, whose generations find themselves torn between tradition and the personal pursuit of happiness. Inspired by John Galsworthy’s celebrated Forsyte Saga novels\, The Forsytes portrays events that take place before those covered in Galsworthy’s books. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/debbie-horsfield-head-writer-and-executive-producer-of-the-forsytes-readers-club-episode-303/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PBSBOOKS-303.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260328T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260328T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T185728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T140720Z UID:14912-1774728000-1774731600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Sheida Soleimani | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:What a Revolutionary Must Know\nSheida Soleimani is an Iranian-American artist\, educator\, and activist. The daughter of political refugees who escaped Iran in the early 1980s\, Soleimani makes work that excavates the histories of violence linking Iran\, the United States\, and the Greater Middle East. In working across form and medium — especially photography\, sculpture\, collage\, and film — she often appropriates source images from popular/​digital media and resituates them within defamiliarizing tableaux. \n\n\nThe composition depends on the question at hand. For example\, how can one do justice to survivor testimony and to the survivors themselves (To Oblivion)? What are the connections between oil\, corruption\, and human rights abuses among OPEC nations (Medium of Exchange)? How do nations work out reparations deals that often turn the ethics of historical injustice into playing fields for their own economic interests (Reparations Packages)? How may the layering of memory and familial history both report fact\, and produce a reckoning with the intimate resonances of a geopolitics of violence (Ghostwriter)? In contrast to Western news\, which rarely covers these problems\, Soleimani makes work that persuades spectators to address them directly and effectively. \nSoleimani’s work is held in permanent collections including the Guggenheim Museum\, Museum of Fine Arts Boston\, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts\, MIT List Visual Art Center\, and Kadist Paris. Her work has been recognized internationally in both exhibitions and publications such as The New York Times\, Financial Times\, Art in America\, and Interview Magazine\, among many others. Based in Providence\, Rhode Island\, Soleimani is also an assistant professor of Studio Art at Brandeis University and a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator. \nPresented in partnership with the Institute for the Humanities. \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/sheida-soleimani-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sheida-Soleimani.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260404T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260404T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260128T185736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T211930Z UID:14905-1775332800-1775336400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Shana Moulton | Penny Stamps Speaker Series DESCRIPTION:Whispering Pines\nShana Moulton is an artist who works in video and performance. Her work blends feminist sensibilities with surrealist imagery and sound to probe the complexities of the contemporary psyche. \n\n\nHer ongoing Whispering Pines series investigates self-help culture\, the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment\, and the often comical absurdities of personal wellness rituals. Across performances\, videos\, and installations\, Moulton uses her alter ego\, Cynthia\, to craft narratives that are both deeply personal and widely relatable\, exploring the shifting boundaries between the mundane and the mystical in an era of global digital capitalism. Cynthia is in constant pursuit of fulfillment through new-age kitsch\, self-help paraphernalia\, and cosmetic rituals. The series takes its name from the mobile home park where Moulton grew up\, located between Fresno\, California\, and Yosemite National Park. \nThrough these works\, Moulton transforms ordinary objects\, domestic rituals\, and everyday spaces into intimate\, surreal landscapes that reflect on anxiety\, consumerism\, and the search for meaning in contemporary life. \nHer work invites audiences into a playful yet contemplative world\, where humor and vulnerability coexist\, encouraging reflection on the ways we navigate self-care\, technology\, and personal transformation in the modern age. \nMoulton’s videos have appeared in exhibitions and screenings around the world\, with presentations at venues and festivals such as The Armory Show Art Fair\, New York; Smack Mellon\, Brooklyn; Loop ​’05 Video Festival\, Barcelona; Rencontres internationales Paris/​Berlin\, Paris; Aurora\, Edinburgh; Dark Light Festival\, Dublin; Impakt Festival\, Utrecht; Internationale Kurzfilmtage\, Oberhausen; Canada Gallery\, New York; and Bellwether\, New York. \nIn Partnership with the Ann Arbor Film Festival. \nThis project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan. \nSeries presenting partners: Detroit PBS\, ALL ARTS\, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/shana-moulton-penny-stamps-speaker-series/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Shana-Moulton.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260408T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260408T213000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260311T175445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T151453Z UID:16083-1775678400-1775683800@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:The CAALS Bauder Lecture with Marlon James DESCRIPTION:PBS Books is thrilled to partner with the Marygrove Conservancy’s Contemporary American Authors Lecture Series (CAALS) to welcome Marlon James\, winner of the 2015 Man Booker Prize as the featured speaker for the 2026 Bauder Lecture live streaming event. \nMarlon James is a critically acclaimed Jamaican author whose work blends rich storytelling\, historical insight\, and imaginative scope. He is the recipient of the 2015 Man Booker Prize for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings\, which was hailed for its epic narrative and unflinching exploration of Jamaica’s history. His other novels\, including Black Leopard\, Red Wolf and Moon Witch\, Spider King\, have cemented his reputation as a master of contemporary literature\, known for his bold narratives\, complex characters\, and lyrical prose. \nJames’s writing traverses genres—from historical fiction to fantasy—while always illuminating profound questions of identity\, power\, and human experience. His work has garnered international recognition and has been celebrated for its fearless creativity and depth. \nJoin us for an inspiring evening as Marlon James shares his insights\, experiences\, and reflections on the craft of writing as part of this signature Marygrove Conservancy lecture series. \nThis event is made possible by major sponsors\, including the Lillian and Don Bauder Endowment\, The Kresge Foundation\, the CME Group Foundation and Detroit PBS. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/the-caals-bauder-lecture-with-marlon-james/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CAALS-2026-Event-Thumbnail.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260422T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260313T153148Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T165421Z UID:16087-1776888000-1776891600@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:PBS Books National Library Week: Celebrating Libraries & Librarians DESCRIPTION:Join PBS Books & Librarian\, Heather-Marie Montilla for a timely and thoughtful conversation with Daniel Montgomery\, Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA)\, as they explore the enduring importance of libraries and librarians in shaping American society\, culture\, and civic life.  \nTogether\, they will discuss the powerful new film The Librarians\, streaming on the PBS YouTube channel and PBS app. The documentary examines how librarians across the United States are increasingly finding themselves on the frontlines of public conversations about access to information\, education\, and community values. Drawing on historical context and current events\, the film highlights how librarians navigate challenges surrounding library collections while continuing their mission to serve their communities.  \nMontilla and Montgomery will also reflect on the previously released documentary Free for All: The Public Library\, which traces the inspiring history of the public library movement. From the pioneering women who helped establish the "Free Library Movement" to today's librarians working to keep libraries open\, welcoming\, and accessible to all\, the film celebrates the individuals who helped build one of America's most enduring civic institutions.  \nThe conversation will also highlight PBS Books' Filmmaker Talks\, featuring insights from Kim A. Snyder\, director and producer of The Librarians\, and Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor\, creators of Free for All: The Public Library. Through these discussions\, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the vision behind these films and why their stories resonate so strongly today.  \nThis conversation highlights the vital role libraries continue to play as community anchors—places where knowledge\, curiosity\, and opportunity remain open to everyone.  \nPBS BOOKS WATCH-ALIKE:\n Independent Lens | The Librarians\nWhen lawmakers seek to review a list of books\, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S.\, librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context\, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life. \nWatch Program NowWatch PBS Books Conversation Independent Lens | Free for All: The Public Library\nLearn how a simple idea shaped a nation and the quiet revolutionaries who made it happen. From pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures. Free for All shows how libraries have always been a sanctuary for generations of Americans. \nWatch Program with PBS PassportWatch PBS Books Conversation URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/pbs-books-national-library-week-celebrating-libraries-librarians/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/16x9-Event-Thumbnails-National-Library-Week.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260429T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260429T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T132801 CREATED:20260331T160143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T161035Z UID:16107-1777492800-1777496400@www.pbsbooks.org SUMMARY:Wilding by Isabella Tree | PBS Books Readers Club DESCRIPTION:PBS Books Readers Club welcomes British author and conservationist Isabella Tree to discuss her inspirational non-fiction book Wilding: Returning Nature to Our Farm. The episode premieres on April 29th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event\, on the PBS Books YouTube channel\, pbsbooks.org\, and the PBS app. \nWilding: Returning Nature to Our Farm chronicles the real-life experiences of Isabella Tree and her husband Charlie Burrell as they take on rewilding their 3\,500-acre Knepp Castle Estate in Sussex\, England. A land ravaged by centuries of farming\, it was starting to fail\, and along with it\, the family’s sense of security. Inspired by a visit from an arboriculturist looking to save their old oak trees\, Burrell and Tree decided to take a chance and change everything they were doing with the land. Through the reintroduction of native species both flora and fauna\, this striking case of land revitalization proves there is way to allow the wild to thrive again. \nAs Tree reflects\, “I think the only answer to eco anxiety is to get your hands dirty and do something. And the joy that can come from even transforming a window box… so that you’re now attracting night flying moths and hoverflies and all the forgotten pollinators\, you’re making a difference. And that feels just so fantastic.” \nPart personal memoir\, part history lesson\, and part biology lesson\, Wilding is an uplifting and rare eco-success story. Isabella Tree does a magnificent job weaving together the many aspects of what it means to rewild. From the littlest bugs in the ground to large grazing animals\, each species plays a vital role in bring balance to the environment. It is the true story of nature’s resilience when given a chance. \nPBS Watch-Alike: Wilding Wilding tells the story of a young couple that bets on nature for the future of their failing\, four-hundred-year-old estate. The young couple battles entrenched tradition\, and dares to place the fate of their farm in the hands of nature. Ripping down the fences\, they set the land back to the wild and entrust its recovery to a motley mix of animals both tame and wild. It is the beginning of a grand experiment that will become one of the most significant rewilding experiments in Europe. URL:https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/wilding-by-isabella-tree-pbs-books-readers-club/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pbsbooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PBSBOOKS-304.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR