Hot Topics
After the monthly lecture, join us for a buffet lunch of soup, sandwiches, and dessert followed by a presentation and lively discussion. Fridays, 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM in the Franciscan Center Board Room. Reservations are requested at least one week prior.
Free People Read Freely
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, September 15
According to the American Library Association, in 2022 there were 1,269 attempts to ban or restrict library materials in the United States. These trends have exponentially grown over the last few years, from 156 banning attempts in 2020 to 729 banning attempts in 2021, and now more than 1,000. Such book-banning endeavors have made national headlines as school libraries and public libraries face ongoing threats of defunding from state legislators or local government entities if they don’t remove certain materials from their shelves.
Yet, 71% of voters on both sides of the aisle oppose the banning of books. Americans seem to overwhelmingly agree that intellectual freedom is a staple of our democracy and that free people should read freely. So, how have public libraries become the most recent victims of the culture wars? What does the state of book banning look like here in Ohio and how are com-munities speaking out against these measures?
This discussion will be led by Lucas Camuso-Stall, the current Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library, which annually sees three million visits from community members across its 20 locations. Camuso-Stall has predominately worked in the human services sector, bringing his expertise in advocacy and public policy to support community members in accessing the informational resources they deserve. He is a graduate of BGSU, holding a Bachelor of Science in journalism with a focus on public relations and a minor in political science.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, October 20
Better Business Bureau developed the program Senior ScamGuard in response to the increasing number of con artists that are targeting older adults. Learn valuable information and tools to keep you safe whether it be home repairs scams or cyber scams. Presenter Pamela Rybka, LPC currently serves as Better Business Bureau’s Community Outreach Coordinator.
Wildlife Films for Conservation
11:15 – 12:45 PM, Friday, Nov. 17
Not everyone can travel to see an octopus, rhinoceros, sea turtle, or pack of red wolves in their native habitat, but the power of film can bring these wild animals to audiences. Running Wild is an award-winning production company specializing in wildlife, science, and community stories. They travel around the world, and into the oceans, to bring incredible stories of conservation to audiences around the globe.
Running Wild co-founder Alex Goetz is a two-time Emmy nominated wildlife filmmaker and photographer. A graduate of BGSU, Alex has also won a National Geographic film competition and was named a 2019 Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leader.