Dorothy Lazard at Clio's!
About this Event
Join Heyday for another installment of Heyday Presents, an ongoing conversation series presented in collaboration with Clio's Books.
Over the course of her 20-year-tenure at the Oakland Public Library’s flagship branch—known as “the Main”—Dorothy Lazard built a career helping residents connect with the city’s past and present, eventually becoming the keeper of Oakland’s local history archives. In her new book, Behind the Desk at the Main, published by Heyday, Lazard offers an insider’s look at the modern American library. Through personal stories and decades of experience, Lazard demystifies the work of librarians and reveals how libraries serve as vital hubs—and defenders—for knowledge, connection, and civic life. She will be joined in conversation by East Bay Yesterday host and producer Liam O'Donoghue.
Dorothy Lazard was born in St. Louis and grew up in San Francisco and Oakland. A librarian for forty years, she joined the staff of the Oakland Public Library in 2000. From 2009 until her retirement in 2021, she was the head librarian of OPL’s Oakland History Center, where she encouraged people of all ages and backgrounds to explore local history. Lazard's first book, What You Don't Know Will Make a Whole New World, was the 2023 recipient of the Oscar Lewis Award in Western History from the Book Club of California. She lives in Oakland.
Liam O’Donoghue is the host and producer of the East Bay Yesterday podcast and co-creator of the Long Lost Oakland map. He also writes a monthly feature about the East Bay for SF Gate. His journalism has appeared in outlets such as KQED, Oaklandside, Berkeleyside, Mother Jones, Salon, and elsewhere. In 2018, he was honored by the East Bay Express as “the best journalist-turned-historian” and presented with a “Partners in Preservation Award” from Oakland Heritage Alliance. O’Donoghue’s quotes on Oakland-related issues have appeared in media outlets including New York Times and Washington Post.
About Heyday
Heyday is an independent nonprofit publisher specializing in publications that explore California's natural history, art and culture, Indigenous perspectives, and social justice. This series is part of our Heyday Presents program. Heyday Presents features Heyday authors in conversation with notable luminaries and thought leaders. Heyday Members receive free VIP access to Heyday Presents program and a curation of our top new releases, among a host of other perks.
Heyday members and Clio's members receive free admission!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 10.00 to USD 31.72
