PAGE 29 ANNUAL REPORT 2023–2024 - - - The Friends of the Lehigh University Libraries SPEAKER SERIES Libraries Do Good Work (Emily Drabinski, American Library Association President, February 12, 2024) Librarians and library advocates attended a lecture by American Library Association president Emily Drabinski, who shed light on the essential role of libraries in fostering access to knowledge amidst increasing political tensions. Drabinski’s talk, Libraries Do Good Work, came at a time when libraries across the nation were—and continue to be—faced with increasing challenges and attacks on their fundamental role in society. Drabinski advocated for libraries as defenders of intellectual freedom and inclusivity, especially during times of political scrutiny. Her address reinforced the need to maintain libraries as spaces for diverse viewpoints and unbiased information, reflect ing her commitment to equity and the public good. Creating Your Own Archive: Research, Roots and Reclamation in Remica BinghamRisher’s Soul Culture: Black Poets, Books, and Questions that Grew Me Up and Room Swept Home (Remica Bingham-Risher, Cave Canem fellow, Affrilachian Poet, and author, April 23, 2024) For many of the marginalized, especially those who turn to art and research as their means of finding their place in the world, one question that looms large is: who is left out of the archive? In her memoir about cultivating a writing life and her latest book of photographs and poems re-tracing family history, Bingham-Risher looks at poetry as a kind of genealogy. In her talk, she read from her work and discussed her exploration of public and private histories as well as how this work helps rede fine what an artist thinks they know about their own story. Rediscovering Miles Rock Presentation and Panel Discussion (May 2, 2024) As part of our celebration commemorating the life and legacy of Miles Rock, the Lehigh Libraries held a presenta tion and panel discussion featuring Chris Grace and David Grace, great-great grandsons of Miles Rock; Casey Kies, Ph.D. student and guest curator of the exhibit “Rediscovering Miles Rock”; and Devin Finn, Visiting Assistant Professor of International Relations. The event, facilitated by Boaz Nadav-Manes, University Librarian, and Lois Black, Director of Special Collections, explored the stewardship of the Miles Rock collection for over a century. Direct descendants of Miles Rock shared their perspectives on the role this larger-than-life figure played in their lives. Casey Kies provided insight into his meticulous cataloging of the collection and curation of the exhibit “Rediscovering Miles Rock.” Professor Devin Finn, who had incorporated portions of the archive and exhibit into her teaching, described student engagement with the collection and her research on state formation and extractive industry in Latin America. The talk was followed by a special reception at Linderman Library to recognize the generosity of the donors, celebrate with the many descendants of Rock who came to Lehigh for the event, and discuss portions of the exhibit. The Friends of the Lehigh University Libraries support engaging library programs, activities, and services to advance the excellence of Lehigh Libraries. To become a member or learn more, visit go.lehigh.edu/friends. Visit go.lehigh.edu/ltstalks for the recordings ▶
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