The Free Library of Philadelphia’s One Book, One Philadelphia and Temple University Libraries Present: A Conversation with Steve Lopez March 19, 3:30 p.m., Paley Library, Lecture Hall Best-selling author and award-winning journalist Steve Lopez makes a stop at Temple as part of the Free Library’s One Book, One Philadelphia program to discuss The Soloist, his moving work of non-fiction that made the New York Times bestsellers list. Lopez is a former Philadelphia Inquirer writer now at the Los Angeles Times. This presentation is made possible by the Free Library of Philadelphia’s One Book, One Philadelphia program.

The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection Presents: A Celebration of Women’s History Month March 5, 2:30 p.m., Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Sullivan Hall The Second Annual Women’s History Month celebration will celebrate exceptional women who have made contributions to African American history and culture in the Philadelphia region. This year Mr. Charles L. Blockson, Curator Emeritus, was involved in the selection process and will unveil some personal items of Harriet Tubman that will be shown to the public for the first time. This is a one- time only showing of her personal items in our region. The program will take place in The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection on March 5 at 2:30 PM, 1st Floor, Sullivan Hall, 1330 West Berks Mall. WURD Radio Station, Program Director Thera Martin Connelly is the Mistress of Ceremony.

Pianist and Vocalist Willa Ward-Royster performed with the Clara Ward Singers as a solo artist and as head of several of her own groups. Though semi-retired, she still appears in combination with such former Ward Singers as Frances Steadman, Kitty Parham, and Esther Ford and performs in area supper clubs, nursing homes, and senior centers.

Philanthropist Beverly Lomax is the matriarch of the Lomax family. Through the Lomax Foundation, she has had a great impact on Philadelphia institutions with her husband Dr. Walter Lomax and their generous contributions, including the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection. Her family has been at the forefront of information and empowerment to the African American community at large through LEVAS Communications, LLC the parent company of 900AM WURD. She is also a quilt maker whose works is currently on display at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Founder and President of the Women’s Heritage Society, Audrey Johnson-Thornton spearheaded the movement to rescue Belmont Mansion from impending demolition with a mission to preserve and restore the historic site. She has been instrumental in organizing numerous events for the African America community in the Philadelphia region.

Author and Educator Marie T. Bogle is a retired school teacher in the Philadelphia schools where she started in 1971. She was the West Philadelphia Improvement Corps (WEPIC) Coordinator for the School District of Philadelphia where she worked to link projects to students’ learning experiences, welcoming the involvement of parents, community residents, and the WEPIC partners in these efforts.

Activist Lois Fernandez co-founded ODUNDE in 1975. It is the oldest continuously running African-American street festival in the country and one of the oldest festivals celebrating Nigerian New Year and Yoruba culture. The festival, whose concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world.

Journalist Annette John-Hall is a metro columnist for The Inquirer. She was previously a Features reporter and columnist focusing on music, film television and pop culture. A native of Berkeley, California, she covered professional, college and high school sports at the San Jose Mercury News, the Rocky Mountain News in Denver and the Oakland Tribune.

Television Personality Trudy Haynes made local history in August of 1965 as the market’s first African-American television reporter. In December 1988, she retired after 33 years on the air at KYW-TV, Channel 3. In the early 50s she was the first African-American poster model for Lucky Strike cigarettes. She entered broadcasting in 1956 as women’s editor at WCHB Radio in Inkster, Michigan and hosted a 90-minute daily program for women.

Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell is a Philadelphia native and five-term councilwoman. She has served many leadership roles in the city council, and has been dedicated to serving the needs of community and the underprivileged. She served as Majority Leader from 2000 -2008. She is also Chair of the Education Committee and the Chair of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless. She is Vice Chair of the Finance Committee and member of the Committee of the Whole, Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities, and the Committee on Ethics. Councilwoman Blackwell is also a Co-Founder and Commissioner on the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs.

Special guest Haki R. Madhubuti, professor and publisher of the Third World Press, will read poetry during the program.

Temple Book Club Welcomes Leslie Banks March 4, 1:00 p.m. Paley Library, Lecture Hall Leslie Banks has written in a variety of genres, but is perhaps best known for her journey into horror with the Vampire Huntress series. Banks will be at Temple to discuss her new novel, The Thirteenth, which will be the last installment of the legendary Huntress series. Please join us in welcoming Ms. Banks to the book club.

A Conversation with David Eng Paley Library Lecture Hall, 2:30 p.m. David Eng presents his engaging point of view on cinema studies, queer studies and Asian studies. A multi-disciplinary scholar, Eng is a professor in the University of Pennsylvania’s English Department, but his specialties lie within and beyond the written word. Eng is a cutting-edge scholar exploring the inter-connectedness of literature, cinema, ethnic studies, sexuality and theory. He will present his new research on “Queer Space in China” through a discussion of the 2001 film Lan Yu. Please join us in welcoming one of our city’s most engaging academics. This event is co-sponsored by the Center for the Humanities at Temple.

The Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection Presents: In Search Of Knowledge: A Black History Photo Exhibit February 12, 2:30 p.m., Paley Library, Lecture Hall Beatrice Joyner brings her traveling exhibition to Temple University Libraries and presents an important history lesson coupled with an engaging display of original art. Ms. Joyner has lectured around the Philadelphia region. She is also a documentary photographer. Please join us as art and history merge in this engaging afternoon.

Temple Book Club Discussion of The Soloist One Book, One Philadelphia selection January 29, 1:00 p.m., Paley Library, Lecture Hall Join a discussion of the best-selling book, The Soloist, based on the true story of the bond between journalist Steve Lopez, and homeless man. This man, Nathaniel Ayers, turns out to be a musician of extraordinary gifts. He had studied at Julliard, but struggled with mental illness. The book is a journey through a story of second chances, human connections and the power of art and music The One Book, One Philadelphia program is hosting book discussions all across the city—come join us for Temple’s installment. In addition, Lopez will visit the Libraries this March to discuss his book. See the March 19 post for more information.

Special Collections Showcase: The First Two Centuries of Printing December 3, 4:00 p.m., Paley Library, Mezzanine-Special Collections Reading Room 1210 W. Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA Join a discussion on the development of the printed book as we know it led by Special Collections Curator Tom Whitehead. See examples from Temple University Libraries unique special collections. Explore the development and evolution of book illustration techniques, pagination, foliation, cover pages and more hallmarks of the modern book form. While you are at Paley, come check out the exhibition on the history of fine printing.