The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation’Т™s Celebration of LearningТ will host a lecture, Q&A, and book signing with notable journalist and author Wil Haygood on Friday, November 1, 2013. Revered by The Los Angeles Times as Т€”culturally important,”Т€ Haygood, a Columbus native and graduate of Franklin Heights HS, has dedicated his writing career to documenting history through the voices and experiences of those who lived among times of great historical significance, prominently in a collection of biographies of 20^th century figures.

His most recent work, The Butler: A Witness to History, recounts the story of White House staff member, Eugene Allen.Т  Haygood’s depiction of Allen, who served during numerous American presidencies, has inspired a film production, set to debut alongside his book in August 2013. Haygood has not only defined himself as an award-winning journalist and author, but as an associate producer to this motion picture starring numerous Hollywood notables.

“Wil Haygood.” Photo. Ohio History Central. 02 July 2013. http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org

In addition to personalizing and illuminating events of the past through the stories of individuals who bear witness and find niche in history, as a journalist, Haygood confirms his own place in the past, surviving a hostage imprisonment during the civil war in Somalia and reporting the release of freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.

Through his work and writings, Haygood crafts an in-depth, holistic portrayal of history. He reminds us that to fully understand the past we must not only listen to the voices of renowned figures, but more, the quiet accounts of the lesser noticed, whose humble places in history are of immense value.

*The Main Library is inviting up to 370 students from high schools throughout Franklin County to attend.

Schedule of the day:

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Lecture and Q&A
11:00 – 12:00 Lunch and book signing available
For those who may wish to extend their class visit, tours of Main LibraryТ may also be available.
*To register contact:Т Julie Scordato at jscordato@columbuslibrary.org

For more information, visit :

http://foundation.columbuslibrary.org/celebration-of-learning

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2012/12/02/opening-door-to.html