Hartford Public Library will be throwing a party, One Big Summer Night, on June 12 for 700 of its closest friends, patrons and sponsors. This year our special guest and featured author will be Arianna Huffington. She joins a diverse literary constellation of previous featured authors, at this event that is the Library's largest annual fundraiser: Dominick Dunne, Jacques Pépin, Wally Lamb, Francine du Plessix Gray, Colin McEnroe, Nora Pollard, Paul Weidner, Malachy McCourt, Julie Powell, and last year's guests Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, stars of MSNBC's Morning Joe.
In our discussions about who would be the best author for these challenging times, Arianna Huffington's name kept surfacing. And why is that, you may ask? Because we believe that she represents what's possible in America with the right set of personal tools -- courage, chutzpah, knowledge, and a deep understanding of what it means to be American. With The Huffington Post, she has created a cyber meeting place for millions every day to get engaged in their world, their countries and in their communities. Clearly she understands democracy and the importance of civic engagement to forming a more perfect union -- in a world that often embattles such a notion.
Hartford Public Library and all public libraries are on a similar quest to engage and enlighten the public. From traditional education services that provide valuable information and skills to broader political and civic roles, such as managing community services for growing immigrant populations, building databases that centralize vital community and government information for improved decision making, and helping to close the digital divide. You see, it's all about understanding what's possible and having the right tools to realize your dreams.
Our world needs to give a voice to those who seek to be heard. Arianna Huffington is giving the world a voice and public libraries give that voice opportunity to make things happen. The more we know the more optimistic we will be about the future. The more engaged we are the better decisions we will make to contribute to our community's success and individual well-being.
We believe that Arianna Huffington shares a common vision to help people in our world achieve full and engaging lives for themselves and their families. That's why we chose her to come to our party.
So if you plan to be in Hartford on June 12, we have a ticket for sale to the best party in town. Prepare to be inspired.