Past Events

The Smithsonian Libraries opens “Come Together: American Artists Respond to Al-Mutanabbi Street,” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery Library beginning Feb. 1. The Libraries will host the Seventh Annual Commemorative Reading to remember the 2007 bombing of Al-Mutanabbi Street on March 5 at 6 p.m. in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s McEvoy Auditorium, 8th and G Streets N.W. 

Ninth Annual Commemorative Reading Saturday March 5th, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC

Professional Development Educator Workshop Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20013 Saturday March 5, 2016 10:30 am – 4:30 pm BUILD-A-BOOK Teacher Development Workshop

Smithsonian Libraries Presents: INDOOR RECESS a lunchtime getaway Featuring your favorite classes as a kid, Library and Art! All you need to do is:

Please join us on Thursday, March 3, 2016 for Fantastic Voyages of the Cinematic Imagination Georges Méliès Film Screening and Lecture by Matthew Solomon

Smithsonian Libraries Presents: INDOOR RECESS a lunchtime getaway Featuring your favorite classes as a kid, Library and Art!

From Feburary 1-5, 2016 the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) is encouraging cultural institutions and crayon enthusiasts to join together for #ColorOurCollections. Institutions such as NYAM, the Biodiversity Heritage Library and the Smithsonian Libraries will provide inspiration and coloring sheets for artists of all ages to fill in. Colorers can share their creations on social media by tagging the organization and using the hashtag #ColorOurCollections.

At the heart of every Smithsonian museum and research center is a library. Individually, our 21 libraries are among the world’s greatest repositories of knowledge. Collectively they are one of America’s most precious scientific and cultural treasures. Come mine our collections and help build educational resources for our global audience. We are inviting teachers that work with students of all ages, and schools of all types, to push us creatively; to rethink how our resources can be shared with public; to combine materials in a new way; to hack our collection and drive us forward by offering an original digital experience.

On Wednesday December 2, 2015, the Smithsonian Libraries will host its 22nd Annual Dibner Library Lecture featuring Laura Otis. 5:00pm, with reception to follow  Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium  Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC This event is free, please click here to reserve your tickets, or call 202.633.3054.

Explore artists’ books and the art of bookmaking! At the first in a series of six sessions, visit the National Museum of Africa Art to enjoy the beauty and artistry of artists’ books firsthand as you leaf through selections from the Warren M. Robbins Library’s collection, and create your own work of art in a bookmaking workshop conducted by guest artist and local bookmaker Patricia Autenrieth. This event is perfect for the whole family!

Enjoy an elegant evening with us celebrating French food, wine and culture while exploring and adopting Smithsonian Libraries Rare Books. Guests will have the opportunity to browse a trove of remarkable and historic volumes and are invited to learn more about the Libraries' special collections and why they must be preserved.

Hey educators! Smithsonian Libraries needs your help!

Wednesday, September 16th, 2015. 2-5pm. Lecture Room, National Museum of African Art950 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20560 Free and open to the public.