Tracie D. Hall, widely known as a “Warrior Librarian” who has popularized the rally cry, “Free People Read Freely,” will speak at the Women’s University Club on April 4, 2025, as part of their Meet the Author series of speakers. In honor of this event, the private club is also hosting a children’s book drive to benefit Page Ahead, a non-profit dedicated to improving literacy in Washington State. They prioritize serving children furthest from educational justice by increasing access to books and helping create lifelong joy from reading.

While libraries are known for maintaining a quiet environment, Tracie D. Hall has refused to stay quiet on the topics of misinformation, disinformation, and censorship. In 2023, she was included on TIME Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Most Influential People. Hall has served as executive director of the American Library Association, and is now a distinguished practitioner in residence at the University of Washington iSchool.

On April 4th, she will lead a discussion on “Information Islands: How Disinformation and the Decline in Human Literacy are Dividing Us and What Can We Do About It.”

“Let’s make an impact together and support the message Tracie D. Hall is promoting – the freedom to imagine a liberated world through the written word – as well as the work that Page Ahead and its many volunteers and partners are doing to promote children’s literacy in our community,” invites Alyson Stage, former President of Page Ahead and current Treasurer of the Women’s University Club.

How to Participate

You can be a part of this collaboration by attending this 4/4 event to hear Tracie D. Hall speak and/or contributing to the local book drive that benefits Page Ahead. Tickets are available for purchase here, and include lunch at the Women's University Club. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new children’s book for donation (suitable for grade 3 or younger), or purchase one from Secret Garden Books, a local independent bookseller whose staff will be on site with a selection of children’s books as a convenience. Donors may also drop off new books for donation at the Women’s University Club prior to the event.

To learn more, contact the Women’s University Club at 206-623-0402.

About Page Ahead

Page Ahead, a local nonprofit building a better future one book at a time, is all about giving kids the strong start they deserve. Reading is the foundation for everything and without it, kids face bigger hurdles down the road. To learn more, please contact Laura Le at lle@pageahead.org or visit https://www.pageahead.org

About the Women’s University Club

“We Laugh. We Learn. We Lead.” From these words, the Women’s University Club of Seattle has embraced a culture of respect, integrity and inclusivity for over a century. A gracious landmark presence in the heart of downtown, this club is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding or other memory-making celebration. We also welcome those who want to be part of continuing our mission as Seattle’s women-led social and learning club. www.womensuniversityclub.com