Last year, when faced with postponing its annual spring literary festival, the Central Arkansas Library System built out a year’s worth of virtual programming and conversations with authors and thought leaders that anyone could watch for free.
A year later, the Six Bridges Presents series returns with the promise of another exciting lineup of authors and presenters.
CALS was set to launch the rebranded Six Bridges Book Festival, formerly the Arkansas Literary Festival, in April 2020 with the intention to reach and receive input from a broader array of demographics.
“We began these virtual programs last May and have enjoyed extending the festival throughout the year, welcoming awe-inspiring authors and stories,” says festival coordinator Brad Mooy.
Continuing the now-popular online series, Six Bridges Presents has added four events to the summertime roster. Here’s what to save the dates for:
The Intrepid Bourdain!
May 20, 6:30 p.m.
Inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s posthumous “World Travel: An Irreverent Guide” (published April 20), this loose tribute is a discussion of tastes, travels and the man who brought us the best of both worlds. Anthony Bourdain (1946-2018) attained fame for his work as a chef, a writer of “Kitchen Confidential,” “Medium Raw,” “A Cook’s Tour” and “The Nasty Bits,” as well as television shows “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown.” Hop aboard for a zesty evening. Guests include chefs Donnie Ferneau and Gilbert Alaquinez, world traveler Tony Poe and Fest Moderator Chair Amy Bradley-Hole.
Eric Cervini
June 3, 6:30 p.m.
Eric Cervini discusses his book “The Deviant’s War.” Covering American LGBTQIA+ history and trials (mostly pre-Stonewall), this well-researched award-winner was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice. “Epiphanic.” – The Guardian.
Sarah Everts
July 22, 6:30 p.m.
Ottawa-based professor Sarah Everts discusses her book “The Joy of Sweat.” The sultry summertime brings Everts as your guide to “a taboo-busting romp through the shame, stink and strange science of sweating.” Sponsored by UAMS Department of Medical Humanities & Bioethics and Department of Dermatology.
Shugri Said Salh
Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m.
Shugri Said Salh discusses her book “The Last Nomad: Coming of Age in the Somali Desert.” Another hot one, this memoir provides a “fascinating look at a disappearing culture” and has been called “brilliant and riveting.”
To learn more about the Six Bridges Presents series, visit the CALS website and follow along on Facebook and Twitter for updates.