Events of the Library Foundation of Hennepin County

Michael Dirda is the winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for criticism. He has been an editor and writer for The Washington Post Book World for the past 25 years. A Fulbright Fellowship recipient, Dirda received his bachelor's degree in English from Oberlin College and his doctorate in comparative literature from Cornell University. Dirda is the author of two collections of essays (Readings: Essays and Literary Entertainments and Bound to Please), a memoir (An Open Book: Coming of Age in the Heartland) and a guide to reading and its life lessons (Book by Book: Notes on Reading and Life). Dirda's not-to-be-missed presentation is sponsored by The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library and US Trust. Recorded on July 5, 2007.

Attorneys James Dorsey and Nicole Moen, of Fredrikson & Byron, P.A., represent a Guantanamo Bay detainee and are on the leading edge of international human rights advocacy. Their presentation highlights four recent visits to Guantanamo Bay, their client's situation, and human rights concerns. Join us for this eye-opening event, sponsored by The Friends and the Marquette Financial Companies. Recorded on June 14, 2007.

Explore the unexpected life in books with award-winning authors Sven Birkerts & Lewis Buzbee, in conversation with Gail See. Both authors started their careers as booksellers and ultimately became authors. How did their passion for books become an all consuming career? What books have changed their lives? Will the 'book' survive? This engaging conversation is presented by The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library and US Trust.

Heather McElhatton's original debut novel, Pretty Little Mistakes, is an edgy interactive novel for adults with more than 150 possible endings.From the first choice of what to do after school, you can decide which of your dreams to chase. After a witty introduction from satirist Kevin Kling, Heather reads one possible scenario from her book. Guitar accompaniment by Robert Bell. Sponsored by The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library and US Trust. Recorded on May 15, 2007.

Join us as nine exciting finalists of the 2007 Minnesota Book Awards describe the writing process and read from their books. Featured finalists are: Caroline Burau for 'Answering 911'; Mary Rose O'Reilley for 'The Love of Impermanent Things'; Matthew Sanford for 'Waking'; Diane Wilson for 'Spirit Car'; Brian Freeman for 'Stripped'; Roger Stelljes for 'The St. Paul Conspiracy'; Alicia Conroy for 'Lives of Mapmakers'; Patti Frazee for 'Circus'; and Maureen Millea Smith for 'When Charlotte Comes Home'. Emceed by The Rake Publisher Tom Bartel. Presented by The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library and the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. Recorded on May 5, 2007.

Favorite Poem Celebrity Reading asks Minnesota celebrities to share a favorite poem. This popular event is in its 6th year. This year's participating celebrities are: Andrew Zimmern, Host of Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel; Amelia Santaniello, WCCO News Anchor; Ta-coumba Aiken, artist; Brad Childress, Vikings Coach; Nate Dungan, Lead vocalist of Trailer Trash; Lee-Ann Stephens, Minnesota Teacher of the Year; Scott Seekins, artist; and Kerri Miller, Host of MPR Midmorning. Emceed by The Friends Board Vice President, Glenn Miller. Recorded on April 19, 2007.

This special event marks the completion of the Laurel Poetry Collective's four-year mission and features its two latest books. Celebrate with US Trust and The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library as 22 accomplished poets read a poem and shares how poetry has effected their lives. Recorded on April 12, 2007.

Best-selling author (The American Revelation, Henry Ford and the Jews) and historian Dr. Neil Baldwin assesses the Marshall Plan's use as a descriptor for Bush administration's actions in Iraq. Presented by the Marquette Financial Companies and The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library. Recorded on March 29, 2007.