"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.
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.
The History of the Early French Space Program
When: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Z.J. Loussac Library : Wilda Marston Theatre
Part 4 of Expanding Horizons: a Lecture Series at the Library
The history of the early French space program, including France's role in the Cold War and French mobile rocket launch units which conducted upper atmosphere experiments in regions like Norway and Antarctica
Featuring UAA History professor Dr. Katherine Sinclair