June 5, 1995
Press Contact: Jeanne Smith (202) 707-4337
Public Contact: Rare Book and Special Collections Division
(202) 707-5434
Italian Anarchism in the United States is Topic of Library of Congress Lecture
The Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the
Library of Congress will present a lecture by Paul Avrich,
distinguished professor of history at the City University of New
York, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, in the Mumford Room on the
sixth floor of the Madison Building, 101 Independence Avenue S.E.
He will speak on "Italian Anarchism in the U.S." in the last
of the season's series of lectures sponsored by the division, the
Embassy of Italy, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the
National Italian American Foundation.
According to Larry E. Sullivan, chief of the Rare Book and
Special Collections Division, the series is intended "to foster
consideration and assess the contribution of Italy to American
culture and customs, economic and social issues, international
relations, and government and public policy."
The lecture series is the first program initiated by the new
Associates of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division,
formed last year to acquaint individuals with the resources and
needs of the division and to raise money through contributions to
support its programs.
The division holds the most comprehensive and universal rare
book collection in the United States. Numbering more than
750,000 items, its holdings include numerous books printed in
Italy during the earliest period of printing, as well as large
collections on Italian history and culture, 5,700 books printed
before 1501, Thomas Jefferson's library, the largest collection
of early American imprints in the country, the magnificent
Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection of Illustrated Books, the
libraries of czars of Russia, and countless other rare and unique
collections.
The Italian Cultural Institute, Washington, D.C., organizes
and supports programs highlighting the intellectual, artistic,
and scientific achievements of the Italian people.
The National Italian American Foundation, Washington, D.C.,
is an advocate for the nation's estimated 25 million Italian
Americans.
The lecture is free and open to the public, with no tickets
required.
As for all Library public programs, interpreting services
(American Sign Language, Contact Signing, Oral and Tactile) will
be provided on request if placed six business days in advance of
the lecture. Call (202) 707-6362, TTY and voice, to make a
specific request. For other ADA accommodations, contact the
Disability Employment office at (202) 707-9948 TTY and (202) 707-
7544 voice.
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PR 95-084
6/5/95
ISSN 0731-3527