UK Libraries’ 2023 Prichard Lecture to feature sociologist, author Eric Klinenberg

Renowned sociologist and bestselling author Eric Klinenberg will join UK Libraries this month for the 2023 Edward F. Prichard Lecture, dedicated this year to mark the 25th anniversary of the University of Kentucky William T. Young Library. Klinenberg will lead a discussion on the importance of social infrastructure in fostering community connections that fortify civic life. The event will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, March 17, at the Young Library Second Floor Rotunda.

Drawing on research from his book “Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization and the Decline of Civic Life,” Klinenberg shows that the future of cities and democratic societies rests not only on shared values, but on social infrastructure — the libraries, parks and civic organizations where crucial connections are formed.

A catered reception and book signing will be held on the first floor of the Young Library directly following the lecture. This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are required.

Klinenberg is the Helen Gould Shepard Professor of Social Science and director of the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University. He has appeared on TV programs and podcasts like “This American Life” and written for The Guardian, Rolling Stone, The New York Times Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, among others. NPR named “Palaces for the People” as one of its Best Books of 2018. Klinenberg earned his B.A. from Brown University, and his master's and Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley.

Since its inception in 1977, the Edward F. Prichard Lecture Series has featured nationally-acclaimed authors, journalists, historians and public figures including Jad Abumrad, Bobbie Ann Mason, Jeffrey Toobin, Elizabeth Hardwick, Marsha Norman and Arthur Schlesinger Jr. The Prichard Lecture is made possible by an endowment created by Edward F. Prichard Jr., a New Deal activist who later championed educational change in Kentucky.

As the premier research library in the Commonwealth, UK Libraries empowers lifelong learners to discover, create and connect by providing ever-expanding access to quality information and collaborating with academic and creative communities worldwide to advance knowledge, enhance scholarship and preserve the history and culture of the Commonwealth. More information about UK Libraries can be found on its website.