News Summary
The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation has unveiled its upcoming Witte Lecture and Library Live series, featuring distinguished speakers and engaging discussions. The series will kick off in October and run through May, offering numerous opportunities for community involvement through literature and insightful conversations. Ticket sales begin soon, with special rates available for members. The events are set to occur at the Central Library and the new Witte Hall, promising enriching experiences for attendees.
Newport Beach – The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF) has officially unveiled the lineup for its highly anticipated 2025-26 Witte Lecture and Library Live series, featuring a diverse range of distinguished speakers. The lecture series will commence in October 2025 and conclude in May 2026, offering the community a rich blend of intellectual discussions and literary insights.
The Witte Lectures will host a total of four speakers, each presenting their topics over two days. Each Friday evening event will include a book sale, signing session, and a light supper accompanied by wine. General admission tickets for these Friday sessions are priced at $75, with a discounted rate of $70 available for NBPLF members. The Saturday afternoon sessions will also feature refreshments, alongside a book sale and signing, with tickets priced at $55 for general admission and $50 for members at the Book Collector $250 level and above.
Last season, both the Witte Lectures and Library Live events experienced sell-out attendance. To cater to the enthusiasm, member season passes for the Witte Lectures are available, priced at $250 for Friday sessions and $180 for Saturday sessions. Individual tickets for the Friday and Saturday lectures will officially be up for sale starting on October 1, 2025.
This lecture series will take place initially in the Central Library’s Friends Room, with subsequent sessions held in the nearly completed Witte Hall. Notable speakers include Dr. Julian Gewirtz, who will address “U.S.-China Tensions — Past, Present, and Future” on February 27-28, 2026. Pippa Malmgren will explore “International Relations and the Future of Global Economy” on March 27-28, 2026. Annie Griffiths will present on “Connect with Anyone, Anywhere: Power of Photography” on April 17-18, 2026, and Ruth Ben-Ghiat will lead a discussion on “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present” on May 1-2, 2026.
The Library Live series will showcase four acclaimed authors, with events scheduled for Thursdays across three locations. These events will also include opportunities for book signings and refreshments. General tickets for Library Live events are set at $40, with a discount bringing the price down to $35 for Book Collector $250 level NBPLF members. Individual tickets for the Library Live series will be available for purchase starting September 1, 2025, and members can also get a season pass for $120.
Highlighted authors for the Library Live series include Thomas Fuller, presenting “The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory” on October 16, 2025, and Susan Straight, who will discuss her novel “Sacrament” on November 6, 2025. Additionally, Colm TóibÃn will cover his works “Long Island” and “Brooklyn” on March 12, 2026, while Anthony Doerr is set to present “Cloud Cuckoo Land” and “All the Light We Cannot See” on April 23, 2026.
For inquiries regarding ticket pricing or other details, prospective attendees can reach out via email at programs@nbplf.foundation or call 949-717-3892.
This season of lectures and events presents a significant opportunity for community engagement through literature and discourse, and early bird opportunities for members ensure an accessible and enriching experience for all.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: 2025-26 Witte Lectures
- LA Times: Lucy Jones on Earthquakes
- OC Register: Library Lecture Hall Project
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Google Search: Libraries
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