500 and Counting! A Freedom Reads Celebration

How can reading foster inspiration and community even in the most uninspiring environments? Reginald Dwayne Betts is the founder and CEO of Freedom Reads, a first-of-its-kind organization that confronts the impact of prison on the spirit. In March, he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his release from prison — the spark from which Freedom Reads was ignited — and this fall, Freedom Reads celebrated the opening of the organization’s 500th Freedom Library, each one built inside a prison.

In celebration of these milestones, Reginald Dwayne Betts joins Planet Word for a compelling talk and demonstration on how the power of books and literacy empowers us to build confidence and community in every space. Learn how Freedom Reads’s innovative program, featuring beautifully handcrafted library displays, transforms prison cellblocks into “Freedom Libraries.” Finally, embark on a beautiful journey with Dwayne as he shares inspiring and joyful excerpts from his latest book of poetry, Doggerel.

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Talk, Excerpt Readings, and Q&A (Auditorium)
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Meet & Greet and Freedom Library Show & Tell (Mansard Room)

For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact cHJvZ3JhbXMgfCBwbGFuZXR3b3JkbXVzZXVtICEgb3Jn.

You may also like the following events from Planet Word Museum:

• Next Wednesday, 17th September, 06:00 pm, What We Say, What They Hear with Deborah Tannen in Washington
• Next month, 8th October, 06:00 pm, Shout Mouse Press Book Launch Celebration: Bright Before Us, Like a Flame in Washington

Also check out other Arts events in Washington, Literary Art events in Washington, Meetups in Washington.