Speakers Bureau Services

About this Service

Speakers Bureau programs are offered both at the Library and off-site for community groups.
See a complete list of programs available below or view the Speakers Bureau Flyer.
If you would like to request a program for your group, complete this Speakers Bureau Information Request.
There is no fee for this service, however, donations are welcomed and appreciated.
All programs run between 35-50 min. Those with an * asterisk also have a 15-minute version.
For more information call the Community Outreach Specialist at 937-610-4404 or send an email to: outreach@wclibrary.info.

In-Person or Virtual Presentations

Arts

ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND HIS FILMS

Take a behind-the-scenes peek at the films from the Master of Suspense.

THE BEATLES: CAN'T BUY ME LOVE

Take a stroll down memory lane as you follow the band from its beginning stanza to its final note. And enjoy listening to some of The Beatles’ greatest songs!

THE BOOK OF KELLS

Learn about "the most beautiful book ever written."

CHARLES M. SCHULZ & THE PEANUTS GANG*

Learn about the cartoonist’s life from early childhood, formative years, and how he created some of the most beloved characters of our time.

THE LOUVRE AND ITS ART

Explore the history of this national art museum in Paris and the extensive collections of art it holds.

MUSICALS: FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD

A portrait of the American musical from Hollywood to Broadway including movie and stage musicals and the people who brought them to life.

NORMAN ROCKWELL’S AMERICA

Explore the world of Norman Rockwell, one of America’s most beloved artists.

Culture

A SENSE OF THE WORLD

Hear the incredible story of James Holman, a prolific traveler and world explorer. He was also disabled and permanently blind.

AGATHA CHRISTIE: THE QUEEN OF THE MYSTERY NOVEL

Perhaps the world's most famous mystery writer and one of the best-selling novelists of all time.

AND HE LIVED TO TELL: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF LOUIS ZAMPERINI

Listen to the story of Louis "Louie" Zamperini - juvenile delinquent, Olympic runner, POW, and World War II hero.

ANNIE OAKLEY: LITTLE SURE SHOT

Rising from a hardscrabble life, sharpshooter Annie Oakley is the pride of Darke County.

BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY: THE WORLD’S SMARTEST HORSE

Hear the remarkable story of a horse who could debate politics, count, spell and act the part of a prankster.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF OSCAR SLATER

In 1909, Oscar Slater was sent to prison for murder. There was only one problem: he didn’t do it. Can YOU solve The Curious Case of Oscar Slater?

DAYTON'S FIRST FAMILIES OF PIZZA

Learn the "secrets" behind thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, bite-sized squares, and the Daytonians who made our favorite pizzas.

DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC: JAMES A. GARFIELD

Hear the fascinating story of James A. Garfield's meteoric rise from poverty to U.S. Presidency and his tragic end at the hands of deranged assassin Charles Guiteau.

ERMA BOMBECK: A CELEBRATION OF LAUGHTER*

Prepare to smile as you learn more about our beloved hometown humorist Erma Bombeck.

THE ESTHER PRICE STORY*

Discover the sweet backstory of one of Dayton’s own hometown favorites!

FIRST MOTHERS

Explore the lives of 11 women who raised their sons to achieve the greatest office in the land—the Presidency of the United States.

HEROES OF THE MIAMI VALLEY

We pay our respects to four very special heroes from the Miami Valley, two of whom were awarded the Medal of Honor.

KATHARINE, THE WRIGHT SISTER

Learn more about Katharine, the younger (and only) sister of the Wright Brothers, a pioneer all on her own!

LINCOLN, THE RAIL SPLITTER YEARS

Hear about Abraham Lincoln from his youth living in hardscrabble Kentucky and Indiana to his early years in Illinois before he ran for political office.

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A CAGED BIRD

Explore the life and work of one of Dayton's most influential poets.

THE LIFE OF MARY TODD LINCOLN*

Learn more about the wife of our 16th President including her childhood, years in the White House, and insanity trial.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT: THE WEIRD AND WACKY LIFE OF ROBERT RIPLEY

Learn all about the eccentric cartoonist who created Ripley's Believe It or Not and grew it into a multi-million dollar empire that exists to this day.

WALT DISNEY: THE MAN AND HIS VISION

One man’s vision became the world’s delight.

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS

Learn more about the brothers who grew from bicycle shop tinkerers to the aviation innovators who made Dayton First in Flight.

History

AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS

America’s natural treasures—did you know we have one in our very own state?

THE BILTMORE: AMERICA'S LARGEST HOME

Come along with us and discover the Biltmore: George Vanderbilt's estate with its French Renaissance Chateau, colorful gardens, and award winning winery.

DAYTON: GEM OF THE MIDWEST

Stepping back in time to the people, places, and innovations of the Gem City.

FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS

Learn about the six men who rose the flag during the battle of Iwo Jima.

GET YOUR KICKS ON ROUTE 66

Take a fun trip on Route 66 and discover historical places, beautiful landscapes, and zany oddities!

GREATER DAYTON FLOOD

The Greater Dayton Flood was catastrophic. Learn about the events that led up to that day, and the aftermath.

OHIO: CRADLE OF THE PRESIDENTS

Ohio lays claim to eight U.S. Presidents. Hear more about their lives and years in the White House.

THE SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD

You may know about the seven wonders of the ancient world, but what about the medieval world, or the underwater world? Explore with us as we go through a comprehensive view of the wonders of the world.

THE STORY OF THE U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS

Discover the real story behind one of the greatest naval disasters in U.S. history.

TAKING A TOUR AROUND OHIO

Travel the byways of our wonderful state! Ohio has many unique destinations to explore

UPSTAIRS AT THE WHITE HOUSE

An insiders look at America's First Families from Roosevelt to Nixon.

XENIA TORNADO

On April 3, 1974, an F-5 tornado tore through the heart of Xenia. It was part of a ‘super outbreak’ of 148 twisters that struck the Midwest, leaving Xenia the hardest hit.

Fun/Humor

AGING WITH HUMOR

Laugh along as we present the lighter side of growing older.

FUN WITH BOARD GAMES

Learn the origins of many popular board games while taking a trip back to your childhood favorites.

MAKE 'EM LAUGH: A LOOK AT CLASSIC COMEDY

A nostalgic profile at some of our favorite, classic comedians including Dick Van Dyke, Tim Conway, Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett.

Seasonal

BE PATRIOTIC!

Celebrate our country through song, poetry, and patriotic symbols!

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Learn the history behind many family traditions surrounding Christmas from old to new.

HAUNTED AMERICA

America has a haunted past … venture into her spookiest locales.

HAUNTED OHIO

Take a creepy jaunt with us to some of Ohio’s haunted locales.

THE HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT

Explore European witchcraft and learn about 16th and 17th century practices and assumptions about this magical part of history.

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

There's nothing better than a scoop or two of cold, creamy ice cream on a hot summer's day. Learn about the history of ice cream in America and Ohio's innovative contributions.