"Expanding Horizons: A Lecture Series at the Library," where curiosity meets knowledge. This series features esteemed professors from the University of Alaska Anchorage discussing a range of topics to inspire and enlighten. Begin with captivating history stories, then explore space's wonders. Practical life planning sessions offer valuable insights. Each lecture promotes inquiry and lively discussions, fostering connections among learners. Join us to broaden your perspectives and ignite your passion for lifelong learning.
The 250th Anniversary of the American Founding
When: Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Z.J. Loussac Library : Wilda Marston Theatre
As part of the Anchorage Public Library’s new Expanding Horizons Lecture Series, we are proud to welcome Dr. Forrest Nabors, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Alaska Anchorage, for a special lecture commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American founding.
In this engaging and timely talk, Dr. Nabors will explore the foundational principles that shaped the creation of the United States in 1776 and discuss their continued relevance in American civic life today. With a focus on liberty, self-government, and national unity, Dr. Nabors will guide us through the enduring legacy of the founding generation and what their vision means for our future.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Forrest Nabors is a nationally recognized scholar in American political thought and the author of From Oligarchy to Republicanism: The Great Task of Reconstruction. His current research is focused on the changing character of American government leading up to the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on America’s past and future with one of Alaska’s leading voices in political thought.
Invisible Things in the Night Sky
When: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Z.J. Loussac Library : Wilda Marston Theatre
There are beautiful things you can see in the night sky with your human eyes, such as the moon, stars, and some of the planets. But there are also things you can only see with the assistance of a telescope, or things that emit light in wavelengths that humans can't see. And then there are stranger things -- other than light itself -- coming from the night sky... can those be "seen"?
Can we see a black hole? A gravitational wave? A neutrino?
As part of the Anchorage Public Library’s Expanding Horizons Lecture Series, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Katherine Rawlins, astrophysicist and assistant professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, for a fascinating journey into the unseen universe.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Katherine Rawlins is an astrophysicist whose research focuses on high-energy particles from space. She is a member of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory collaboration and is dedicated to making science accessible and exciting for all audiences.
Come explore the wonders of the universe that lie just beyond our sight—and discover how much more there is to the night sky than meets the eye.
Ritual Meals in the Fantasy of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Z.J. Loussac Library : Wilda Marston Theatre
As part of the Anchorage Public Library’s Expanding Horizons Lecture Series, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Gregory Hartley for a captivating exploration of food, fellowship, and meaning in the works of two of the 20th century’s most beloved fantasy authors.
Read any of JRR Tolkien’s or CS Lewis’s novels and you will eventually discover that both authors consistently craft lovingly-detailed descriptions of food. These include sumptuous feasts, magical Pilot Bread, even sinfully addictive candy. Reread those books often, and you may even discover patterns beginning to emerge, leading some to ask, “What’s going on here?” Dr. Hartley will identify those patterns and explore what they could mean, both in the context of the worlds both men created and in the larger patterns of society and worldview.
About the Speaker:
Gregory Hartley is an associate professor in the Department of Writing at the University of Alaska Anchorage. His research interests are broad, but often circle around food studies, children’s fiction, and world-building. His most recent article uncovered the history of biscuits and gravy in the state of Alaska.