ALUMNI & FRIENDS HOME

Join us for an unforgettable evening with Michael Dirda, Pulitzer Prize-winning book columnist for The Washington Post. In his talk, “A Life with Books: From the Last Days of Typewriters to the Digital Era,” Dirda takes us on a journey through nearly five decades of literary journalism.

From his early days navigating typewriters and Linotype machines to the fast-paced world of digital publishing, Dirda reflects on the changing landscape of book reviewing and journalism. Hear firsthand accounts of his interactions with iconic authors like Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. Le Guin and Joyce Carol Oates. Learn about the behind-the-scenes process of producing a weekly book section in the pre-internet era and the challenges and triumphs of the digital age.

Dirda’s engaging storytelling and deep love for books promise to captivate readers, writers, bibliophiles and anyone curious about the world of publishing. The evening will include a Q&A session, giving the audience a chance to ask about literary journalism, book collecting and more.

The event begins with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. During this time, books by Dirda will be available for purchase through the UD Barnes and Noble Bookstore. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. and the evening will conclude by 9 p.m. with a Q&A session with Dirda.

Join the Friends of the University of Delaware Library for this extraordinary event celebrating the power of books, stories and the people who bring them to life.

Please RSVP by March 21, 2025.

Event Program:

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Cocktail Hour 
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Dinner served and program

Cost: $150.00 - per person

Or you may select from the following sponsorship options:

$300 - Individual Sponsor (includes one dinner ticket & special recognition in the program)

$2,500 - Event Sponsor (includes seven dinner tickets & special recognition during the dinner and in the program) 

Dinner Menu

Salad: Baby Spinach Salad dusted with pistachios in a roasted shallot balsamic vinaigrette

Entrée Selection: 
- Mustard Crusted Chicken Breast topped with artichokes, caramelized onions, white wine and shallot butter.

- Roasted Salmon Filet finished with a leek and herb butter sauce.

- Vegetarian Penne Pomodoro made with fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic and basil tossed with Tuscan olive oil. This selection may also be made vegan.

Dessert: Trio of Chocolate Mousse Cups, Ricotta filled Mini Cannoli and Raspberry Beignets

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: The University of Delaware may have photographers and videographers at this event. By attending this event, you grant the University of Delaware permission to publish or display photographic or video images of you. Images may be used in any promotional material, publications or other applications. Please let us know if you have any concerns.

Consider supporting the Friends of the University of Delaware Library with a gift of any size today. Your support will make a meaningful difference for UD’s people, programs and places.