Spring Humanities Festival speaker series starts Saturday

Library U, a program of the Bainbridge Island branch of Kitsap Regional Library, will present a three-part series featuring speakers from the Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau this month.

The programs are free (with donations welcome), thanks to funding from Humanities Washington.

The series starts Saturday, April 14 and continues on the next two Saturdays of April 21 and April 28.

The one-hour programs start at 10 a.m.; refreshments will be provided, and reservations are not required.

Here’s the lineup:

Saturday, April 14

David Fenner: “The Long Haul – Stories of Human Migration”

David Fenner examines the push and pull factors that cause human migration from its beginnings in Africa into the 21st century, which in turn can help us understand more fully events in the headlines and better know the mosaic of peoples who have settled in the Pacific Northwest. Professor Fenner is an affiliate faculty member at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies.

Saturday, April 21

Rachel Cardone: “H2OMG! Making Sense of Water Scarcity in an Insecure World”

Whether it’s lead in schools, drought in California, or dwindling snowpack in Washington, water scarcity is a challenge that needs our attention — now. At this Earth Day program, participants will learn about water scarcity and its effects both globally and at local levels. Rachel Cardone has spent nearly 20 years working on water issues as an economist, writer, policy maker, philanthropist, and advisor to public, private and nonprofit organizations.

Saturday, April 28

Amanda Wilde: “The Hidden History of America’s Favorite Music”

Nineteenth century Blackface minstrelsy was the first American entertainment craze. Learn how this controversial phenomenon laid the foundation for American performance, and how its influence reached beyond its era of popularity. Amanda Wilde produces award-winning radio series and documentaries highlighting music and its role in popular culture, including the acclaimed music program “The Swing Years and Beyond” for KUOW.

Humanities Washington sparks conversation and critical thinking using story as a catalyst, nurturing thoughtful and engaged communities across our state.

The Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau is one Humanities Washington’s oldest and most popular programs. A roster of 35 cultural experts and scholars provides low-cost, high-quality public presentations across the state, encouraging audiences to think, learn, and engage in conversation. These diverse and engaging speakers cover a variety of topics, including popular culture, photography, architecture, literature, food, film, and history.

For more about Humanities Washington, visit www.humanities.org.

Library U is a program of the Bainbridge Public Library that offers a variety of free lifelong learning opportunities throughout the year. More information can be found at www.krl.org and www.BainbridgePublicLibrary.org, or by calling 206-842-4162.