Greer's OC

In its 18th year, the Witte Lecture Series brings some of the most entertaining, thought provoking and compelling speakers in an easily accessible program at the Newport Beach Public Library.

The season debuts Saturday, Oct. 25 with Jonathan Franzen and the Storytelling and the Modern World. Author of "The Corrections" and "Freedom,"  Franzen will share the art of telling stories to readers who have less and less time to read.

On Friday, January 23, it’s Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye with Project VOICE: An Evening of Spoken Word Poetry
Sarah Kay is a poet from New York City who has been performing her poetry since she was 14. She is best known for her talk at the 2011 TED conference, which garnered two standing ovations and has been seen more than five million times online. Phil Kaye is an award-winning poet who has shared his work around the world – performing and teaching in ten different countries. Phil’s work has been viewed three million times online. Special price for students for this program only -- $20. The promo code is ‘student.’ Craft beer tasting post-performance!

On Friday and Saturday, January 30-31, it’s Elizabeth Kolbert with “The Sixth Extinction.”
Elizabeth Kolbert has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1999. She will speak about her recent book, New York Times bestseller, “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History.”  “We occupy a very, very unusual position in the whole history of the planet. That is really the point of this book.

On Friday and Saturday, February 27-28, it’s Evan Osnos with The Age of Ambition in China.
Journalist Evan Osnos specializes in all things related to China. Based in Beijing from 2005 to 2013, he reported on the country's rise to power, before sending his last dispatch from China to become The New Yorker’s Washington correspondent.

On Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, it’s Dr. Daniel J. Levitin with “This is Your Brain on Music.”
Neuroscientist and bestselling author of "This Is Your Brain on Music," Dr. Daniel J. Levitin has spent a lifetime exploring how the brain works, and in particular, the brains of highly successful people and accomplished musicians.

On Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, it’s Governor Jennifer Granholm with “Cracking the Code on Creating Jobs in the U.S.”
From a two-term Governor of Michigan’s perspective, Granholm will speak on how to grow jobs in the U.S., even in a global economy

Fridays
6 p.m. – Wine reception
7 p.m. - Lecture and Q&A
8:30 p.m. - Book sales & signing, coffee & sweets
$45 per person (Library Foundation Members)
$50 per person (General Admission)
Special price for students for Kay & Kaye program only -- $20

Saturdays:
2 p.m. – Lecture and Q&A
3 p.m. - Book sales & signing, coffee and sweets
$30 per person (Library Foundation Members)
$35 per person (General Admission)

Newport Beach Central Library is at 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach.