Projects:A Special Commonwealth Speakers Series For Public Libraries


Award-winning memoirist and poet Lori Jakiela uses writing prompts and memory exercises to spark creativity in Writing in Place and Writing From Your Own Experience Commonwealth Speaker presentations.

Programming Opportunity for Libraries
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council is pleased to announce a special Commonwealth Speakers series. Through this series, selected libraries will conduct three Commonwealth Speakers presentations in late spring and summer of 2008. The series is offered exclusively to public libraries, thanks to a generous grant from the federal Library Services and Technology Act (administered by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries).

Commonwealth Speakers offers presentations on a wide range of popular topics that shape the human experience. The 2008-09 line-up features more than 135 presentations by experts and covers a wide range of topics—from African American storytelling, to Civil War era music, to research on family history. The presentations are designed to bring members of the community together to share a life of learning.

The series has three goals:

  • To help public libraries develop the capacity to produce public events for adults.
  • To increase the ability of public libraries to respond to community needs and interests in adult humanities programs.
  • To improve the marketing and promotional skills of public libraries, enabling them to position themselves better as centers for lifelong learning.

This special three-presentation series provides an opportunity for public libraries to gain experience in adult programming. By offering this series, PHC aims to help libraries affirm their roles as centers for lifelong learning and build their reputations as providers of quality humanities programs.

How to Apply
The postmark deadline is February 28, 2008. To apply:

  1. Determine if your library can meet the program goals and requirements. Review the current guidelines and downloadable application form [2.2MB PDF] and the 2008-09 Commonwealth Speakers information. To receive them by mail, contact the PHC.

  2. Submit a completed application by mail or fax. To select the presentations for your series, consult the 2008-09 catalog or refer to the 2008-09 Commonwealth Speakers information. Fill out all fields, including alternate speakers and dates.

PHC will respond to all applicants by the end of March. Programs to take place from May 1 to August 29, 2008.