University Libraries Cultural Programs & Events
As part of its role in fostering and encouraging intellectual engagement on the RWU campus, the University Libraries annually offers an array of public programs.
The Mary Tefft White “Talking in the Library” Series
In Fall 2004, Mary Tefft (Happy) White provided Roger Williams University with a generous gift to launch the annual program, Mary Tefft White Lecture Series. Since that time, the series, now known as Talking in the Library, hosts noted authors, scholars, and thinkers from our regional community and beyond.
2025-2026 Talking in the Library Lecture Series
The John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Program
Through the Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Lecture and Professor John Howard Birss, Jr. Memorial Library Fund (established by University alumnus, Robert Blais '70), a significant or culturally impactful book is chosen annually to be honored. The program engages the campus and local community through discussions, celebrations, related collections, a library exhibit, and culminates with the annual Birss Lecture.
The 26th annual John Howard Birss Memorial Program celebrates Franz Kafka and his defining novel, The Trial.
We invite you to take in our exhibition on the first floor of the library, scroll through our virtual exhibition, and come listen to our keynote talk. Endowed by Robert Blais (’70), the Birss program has celebrated literature as being a central point of the RWU ethos, understanding that appreciating important books are an essential part of being a well-rounded person.
Exhibition Opening:
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Place: University Library, First Floor
Virtual keynote exploring Kafka’s enduring influence on culture and the way we understand the modern world.
Date: Thursday, February 26
Time: 3:00 PM
Panelists: Ross Benjamin, translator of The Diaries;Stefan Litt, curator for the Humanities at the NationalLibrary of Israel; and novelistSteve Stern
The Bermont Fellowship in Fiction and Nonfiction
Established with a generous gift from the Bermont family and in partnership with the Anthony Quinn Foundation, the Fellowship in Fiction and Nonfiction provides promising students with a unique and valuable experience in support of their own professional and artistic development as writers. Full-time undergraduate students (from any academic discipline or major) are selected annually through a blind submission process to attend an intensive, one-day master class with a distinguished visiting writer.
Bermont Family Keynote
Co-sponsored with Rogers Free Library Jane Bodell Endowment
In conjunction with the Bermont Family Fellowship for Fiction and Nonfiction, noted personal essayist Jerald Walker will be giving a public reading and discussion at Rogers Free Library.
Date: Monday, March 30, 6 PM
Place: Rogers Free Library (525 Hope Street, Bristol RI)
Jerald Walker will be reading from his book, Magically Black and Other Essays, a collection described as one that “blends personal revelation and cultural critique to create a bracing and often humorous examination of race in America.”
Bermont Distinguished Authors & Fellows