Lectures

The Linda Hall Lecture Series

The Friends of the Linda Hall Library invite you to attend The Linda Hall Lecture Series - public lectures on contemporary and historical topics in science, engineering, and technology. The lectures are intended to promote the understanding of scientific concepts and research, and ultimately seek to increase the general level of scientific literacy in the community.

Ice: A Victorian Romance

Ice: A Victorian Romance - A four-part lecture series by William Ashworth, Ph.D.

All lectures will be at 4:30 p.m. in the Linda Hall Library Auditorium. This lecture series is offered in conjunction with the Library's new exhibition, "Ice: A Victorian Romance," which opened in May 2008. The lectures are scheduled as follows:

• May 12: Arctic Ice: The Search for a North-West Passage, 1818-1838


• May 19: Southern Ice: The Discovery of Antarctica, 1838-1844


• June 2: Prehistoric Ice: The Glacial Theory, 1837-1860


• June 9: Unforgiving Ice: Looking for Franklin, 1848-1859

William Ashworth, Associate Professor of History at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a long-time history of science consultant at the library, is the curator of the exhibition and author of the exhibition catalog.

This event is open to the Friends of the Linda Hall Library. To join the Friends, click here. Non-members are welcome to attend (and become a Friend) at a cost of $30. You may reserve a place by calling Nanci Regan at (816) 926-9770, or by email at regann@lindahall.org.

Periodic Roundtable Book Discussions

Beyond Oil: The View from Hubbert's Peak - June 9, 2008

June's Periodic Roundtable Book Discussion will feature Kenneth Deffeyes's book Beyond Oil on June 9, 2008 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

The book discussion will be facilitated by Linda Hall Library's Head of Reference, Scott Curtis. Calling upon his background as a petroleum industry geologist and university professor, Ken Deffeyes argues that we have just passed "peak oil" and are headed for diminishing returns. He pragmatically addresses how we can extract more oil from the earth, the economic costs involved in these extraction methods, and the energy alternatives available beyond oil.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but seating may be limited. To ensure your seat, please R.S.V.P. by emailing Scott Curtis or calling (816) 926-8739.

Rocket Boys: A Memoir - October 27, 2008

October's Periodic Roundtable Book Discussion will feature Homer H. Hickam, Jr's book Rocket Boys: A Memoir on October 27, 2008 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

The book discussion will be facilitated by Linda Hall Library Reference Librarian Jenny Bruenger. Rocket Boys is a story about growing up at the dawn of the Space Age. Stunned and excited by Russia's launch of the Sputnik satellite, and awe-struck by the work of physicist and astronautics engineer Werner von Braun, fourteen-year old Hickam is inspired to put together a team of boys to practice amateur rocketry in his hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia. Rocket Boys is an all-American story of determination, teamwork, and hope that has inspired many. The book has been translated into eight languages and is studied in over 300 schools.

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, but seating may be limited. To ensure your seat, please R.S.V.P. by emailing Jenny Bruenger or calling (816) 926-8725.

Fall 2008 One Book Program featuring The Silver Lining

When confronted with the destruction and human suffering of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina or the South Asian tsunami, people want to know if measures can be taken to prevent such environmental and societal damage. A contrary view advocates that such devastation is necessary and beneficial for ecosystems. In The Silver Lining: The Benefits of Natural Disasters, Seth R. Reice argues that the effects of natural disasters represent stages of essential processes for species and habitat renewal. Through the examples of flood and fire, Reice discusses the growing popularity of a new model of ecology that stresses the role of disasters in promoting biodiversity and environmental health, and how this model could be incorporated into more effective land-use policies. Should we save an old-growth forest or let it burn? What form (if any) should river system flood protection take?

Come to our One Book discussion of The Silver Lining on Thursday, October 9 at 6:00 pm for what is sure to be a lively discussion.