Speakers Bureau Services
Need a speaker for your next business, civic or community group meeting? Washington-Centerville Public Library staff will present virtually or in-person!
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.
- 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 Coordinator at 937-610-4429 or send an email to: communityrelations@wcpl.lib.oh.us.
History
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.
DAYTON: GEM OF THE MIDWEST
Stepping back in time to the people, places, and innovations of the Gem City.
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.
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.
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS
Get to know the six flagraisers in the famous photograph taken at the battle of Iwo Jima.
THE GREAT DAYTON FLOOD OF 1913
The Great Dayton Flood was a catastrophe that hit our area in 1913. Learn about the events that led up to the flood, and the aftermath.
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.
THE HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT
Explore European witchcraft and learn about 16th and 17th century practices and assumptions about this magical part of history.
KATHARINE, THE WRIGHT SISTER
Learn more about Katharine, the younger (and only) sister of the Wright Brothers, a pioneer all on her own!
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.
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.
OHIO: CRADLE OF THE PRESIDENTS
Ohio claims eight U.S. Presidents. Hear more about their lives and years in the White House.
THE STORY OF THE U.S.S. INDIANAPOLIS
Discover the real story behind one of the greatest naval disasters in U.S. history.
UPSTAIRS AT THE WHITE HOUSE: MY LIFE WITH THE FIRST LADIES
An insider’s look behind the closed doors of America’s First Families from Roosevelt to Nixon.
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS
Learn more about the brothers who grew from bicycle shop tinkerers to the aviation innovators who made Dayton First in Flight.
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.
Culture
A SENSE OF THE WORLD
Hear the incredible story of James Holman, a prolific traveler and world explorer. He was also intermittently crippled and permanently blind.
AGING WITH HUMOR
Laugh along as we present the lighter side of growing older.
ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND HIS FILMS
Take a behind-the-scenes peek at the films from the Master of Suspense.
ANNIE OAKLEY: LITTLE SURE SHOT
Rising from a hardscrabble life, sharpshooter Annie Oakley is the pride of Darke County.
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!
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 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 including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Lucy, and more!
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.
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!
FUN WITH BOARD GAMES
Learn the origins of many popular board games while taking a trip back to your childhood favorites.
HAUNTED OHIO
Take a creepy jaunt with us to some of Ohio’s haunted locales.
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.
MEMORY LANE TRIVIA
Enjoy this interactive program available for certain groups. Please phone for more information..
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.
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.
WINTER HOLIDAYS
From Christmas to Kwanza, cozy up and explore the unique history of winter’s major (and minor) holidays.
Travel
AMERICA'S NATIONAL PARKS
America’s natural treasures—did you know we have one in our very own state?
TAKING A TOUR AROUND OHIO
Take a tour of our wonderful state which is so rich in history and full of many wonderful things to see and do!
