John Harvard Book Celebration

As part of Harvard’s 375th anniversary and in celebration of its close ties to the Boston and Cambridge communities, the University has developed a lecture series that will bring some of Harvard’s most renowned thinkers to speak at neighborhood libraries. Developed in partnership with the Boston and Cambridge public libraries, the John Harvard Book Celebration program will reach all 34 library branches in Boston and Cambridge.  All events will be free and open to the public.

Harvard faculty members will discuss topics ranging from why violence has declined, to theater in the 21st Century at branch libraries in the two cities. Speakers will include some of Harvard’s most prominent faculty, including Steven Pinker, one of the world’s leading authorities on language and the mind; Diane Paulus, critically acclaimed artistic director of the American Repertory Theater and a Tony Award winner; and Maria Tatar, a German cultural studies scholar who unlocks the secrets of children’s literature and folklore. 

See below for the schedule of upcoming lectures. Seating is limited at all lectures. Seating is available on a first-come, first serve basis. For more information, please email community@harvard.edu or call 617-495-4955.

In honor of John Harvard’s gift of 400 books given to the University in 1638, the University will donate 400 new books to the two cities’ library systems.  Harvard staff, faculty, and students also will take part in library activities aimed at children and youths, including story hours, college readiness discussions, and other events.

Note: The lecture with Walter Isaacson has been postponed until Fall 2012. Please check www.bpl.org/calendar for details as they become available.