VCU Libraries has a busy fall of free and open-to-all programs ahead. Topics include literature, technology, justice, liberty and art. Check your calendars, save the dates and tell your friends. Want to reserve seats for a group? Contact the events office at rbpander@vcu.edu. Refer to the library home page’s events section to register your attendance. All events will be held at James Branch Cabell Library. 

Sept. 17 Constitution Day 2 p.m.

In this “Ask an Expert” session, John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., of the Political Science Department, will answer your Constitutional questions. Have you wondered what the meaning of the "time, place and manner" clause has in modern elections? What is meant by a "speedy trial"? Does the 14th Amendment guarantee birthright citizenship? Bring your questions or submit here: https://forms.gle/6RGRKEakRQ8GJnnSA

Sept. 25 Levis Reading Prize Night 7 p.m. 

Weijia Pan is the winner of the 2025 Levis Reading Prize for his debut poetry collection, Motherlands. The prize is awarded annually for the best debut or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year and is chosen by the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Oct. 15 “Food for All: Intersections of Politics, Poverty, Public Health and the Environment” 7 p.m.  

Speaker Bryant Terry is an author, publisher, artist and advocate. Bryant Terry is a multidisciplinary artist, James Beard Award–winning chef, publisher, and author working at the intersection of food, art, culture, and justice.

Oct. 23 "Natural Language Processing Meets Critical Theory: On the Weird
Intersections between Large Language Models and Humanities-Based Theory" 3:30-6:30 p.m.

The speaker for this event is Wendy Chun, Canada 150 Research Chair in New Media,
Professor in the School of Communication, and Director of the Digital Democracies Institute at Simon Fraser University. Her presentation will explore the complex ethical questions that AI poses within the humanities. This lecture is presented by VCU Libraries and the VCU Humanities Research Center.   

Oct. 29 "Climate Action Workshop," 2-4:30 p.m.

In partnership with Green Action, Sunrise RVA, the VCU School of World Studies and the Institute of Sustainable Energy and Environment, this workshop brings together students, faculty and community activists dedicated to climate action. Join in for skill-building, networking and discussions on how people can work together to create a more sustainable future.  

Oct. 30 “Our Land, Our Art: Virginia Native Artists Reclaim Space” 4 p.m. 

In partnership with the VCU Humanities Research center and Archives Month, VCU Libraries hosts a conversation between curators of Native art. This event features presenters Becky Hill (Pamunkey) and Siera Hyte (Cherokee), highlighting the dynamic landscape of contemporary Native art in Virginia.Hyte is the Schiller Family Curator of Indigenous American Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Hill is with the Virginia Native Arts Alliance. 

Nov. 18 "On Native Ground: Virginia Native Nations, Sovereignty, and Persistence" 6 p.m. 

As part of the Provost’s Speaker Series, VCU Libraries, The Humanities Research Center and The Provost’s office present a lecture by Chief Stephen R. Adkins Sr. of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe. He will provide insights into the complex journey of Virginia's Native nations toward federal recognition and sovereignty. Chief Adkins will trace the historical and political landscape that culminated in the landmark 2018 federal recognition of six Virginia tribes, including his own Chickahominy Nation.

Nov. 19 "GIS Day" 1-3 p.m. 

To explore the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and maps and their ability to connect people, regions and systems, VCU Libraries joins with hundreds of organizations around the world to mark GIS Day.  

Again this year, VCU Libraries will present the annual Cabell First Novelist Award Night. The date has not been set for that event.