The Witte Lectures bring renowned speakers to the library, providing the public a forum for ideas and conversation about the environment, geopolitics, science, technology, economy, the arts and humanities, and other relevant issues of our times.
Richard Blanco
The Civic Role of Poetry: For and Of the People
February 8 & 9, 2019
As presidential inaugural poet for Barack Obama, Richard Blanco has crisscrossed the nation inviting communities to connect to the heart of human experience and our common identity as a country. Join Richard as he shares his stories and experiences as a civic-minded poet through poems from his latest collection Boundaries, and his forthcoming book, How to Love a Country. Both publications investigate the complex sociopolitical issues that shadow America, while also remembering to celebrate our ideals and hopes. He will also share occasional poems he has written for the Boston Marathon bombings, the U.S. Embassy reopening in Cuba, the Pulse Nightclub shooting, Freedom To Marry poem, and other projects aimed at fostering the role of advocacy that poetry can (ought to) play in the public realm with respect to our nationhood and matters that affect us collectively, including gender, sexuality, class, immigration, and race.
| FRIDAY EVENING LECTURES Lecture & Continue the Conversation Supper following NBPLF Member: $58* Non-Member: $63* 7:00pm Lecture and Q&A 8:30pm Light supper & wine Book sales & signing *Prices include ticketing fee |
SATURDAY AFTERNOON LECTURES Lecture & Courtyard Conversations & Coffee following NBPLF Member: $38* Non-Member: $43* 2:00pm Lecture and Q&A 3:30pm Coffee & dessert Book sales & signing *Prices include ticketing fee |
Phone: (949) 717-3818
Email: KUpshaw@newportbeachca.gov
2019/02/08 - 2019/02/09
Newport Beach Public Library
1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660