This course is designed to introduce and explore the essential teachings, autobiographical episodes, and spiritual insights from Adi Da Samraj's 'The Knee of Listening.' Each session will focus on key themes and selected readings that illustrate Adi Da's journey, realization, and core message of 'radical understanding.'

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Tuesdays; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, TBD - UR Campus

Commonly featured in tales of terror and hauntingly good stories, spooky creatures and things that go bump in the night have a long history. Come along as we step into some of the unusual and mythical materials of Boatwright's Rare Book Room and explore the spirit of Halloween magic.

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Thursday, 10/30, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22

Join author and University of Richmond's first lady Tina Hallock as she discusses the inspiration for her debut children's book, 'Along Came the Spiders.' The book highlights the unique Spider mascot and celebrates the University community, all while fueling her love of promoting literacy to young readers. Tina will be joined by the book's illustrator Kaitlin Jones Stasiunas as they each discuss their process and working together on this charming tale.

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Tuesday, Oct 7, TBD - UR Campus

If you are familiar with the library resources but want to go beyond the basics, this session will explore some of the more interesting and unusual digital collections and databases. This is an advanced session that builds on the information introduced in Bounty of Boatwright.

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Thursday, Oct 23, Synchronous Online

This is the seventh semester for Book Swap, for book lovers and those who like to share their love of books. Bring your favorite book and share it with the class for 10 minutes. All book genres are open to share. If you register for this class you are expected to present a book. The instructor will reach out to the registered students to discuss your book idea and help you with a suggested format.

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Mondays, 12/8 & 12/15, TBD - UR Campus

Learn how to find books, articles, and other resources that are of interest to you. This session provides an overview for beginners or those new to Osher and includes a virtual tour of the library.

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Tuesday, Sept 30, Synchronous Online

This interactive class will use case study methodology to study history via the book 'Democracy: A Case Study' by David Moss (2017). You will role-play the decision makers of the day as you analyze problems that eventually led to momentous decisions in our nation's history. Experience history in a more immersive way.

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No session is currently available for registration

Click here to be notified about the next scheduled program.

Virginia played a central role during the Cold War. With doomsday planning operations underway for World War III, the location of the Pentagon, CIA, and other federal agencies established Northern Virginia as an epicenter of decision-making. As Virginia military bases readied for a potential surprise attack by the Soviet Union, local research facilities played a paramount role in the Space Race. These developments and tales of espionage, heroism, and betrayal will be discussed.

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Monday, Oct 20, TBD - UR Campus

Boatwright Library is currently undergoing construction, part of which is a newly redesigned floor showcasing the Galvin Rare Book Room, Archives, and Book Arts. This class will introduce participants to the archive and rare book collections, highlighting some special materials and areas of interest that are available for use in new spaces opening in Fall 2025.

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Friday 9/12, Synchronous Online

This seminar will view and critique three films of Orson Welles: 'Citizen Kane,' 'The Third Man,' and 'The Trial.' Orson Welles was arguably the greatest presence in 20th Century American cinema, sometimes directing, sometimes taking the lead role, and sometimes both. The main source for 'The Third Man' was Graham Greene's novel of the same name. 'The Trial' was based on Franz Kafka's novel of the same name in its English-language translation.

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Tuesdays; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25, TBD - UR Campus

Let's examine how languages develop, change, and interact over time. Through a journey across six mystery locations, we will uncover the historical relationships among languages and the migrations, splits, and connections that have shaped them.

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Thursdays, Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, Synchronous Online

Osher is having its own Trivia Night -- but in the afternoon. Come join us for this new, fun event. We are bringing in the local expert, Ball of Fire, to run the event, and we'll have snacks and beverages to sustain you when the competition gets tough! Come join us!

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Thursday, Nov 20, TBD - UR Campus

Vladimir Nabokov was a prolific writer of novels both in Russian and English. Most famous was 'Lolita,' which brought him international fame. This seminar focuses on another of his masterpieces, 'Invitation to a Beheading,' which uncharacteristically for Nabokov, deals with a political subject: totalitarianism. Critics variously considered it a 'dystopian fable' and a 'cosmic nightmare.' In this seminar we will be concerned with the author's portrayal of this ideology and why he wrote the novel.

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Tuesdays, Oct 14, 21, 28, TBD - UR Campus

This class will focus on a screening of Reginald Rose's play 'Twelve Angry Men.' Premiered in the 1950s, this play is an interesting look at the individuals who make up the jury. But more importantly, the work is also a deeper dive at how we think and perceive each other in the pursuit of justice.

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Wednesday, Oct 22, TBD - UR Campus

Come explore some historical cookbooks from Boatwright's Rare Book Room and see what you can discover.

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Tuesday, 12/2, Boatwright Library, Room B1-22

In the popular imagination, lethal injection is a slight pinch and a swift nodding off to forever-sleep, it is performed by well-qualified medical professionals, it is regulated and carefully conducted, and it is certainly the most 'humane' form of capital punishment. In reality, not one of these statements is true. Lethal injection is nothing like what people think. This is its untold story.

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Wednesday, Oct 1, TBD - UR Campus

Through playful writing games inspired by Surrealist artists, we'll surprise ourselves with strange and delightful stories. No writing experience needed, just a willingness to have fun and see where your imagination goes.

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Monday, Sept 29, TBD - UR Campus

The power of advertising to influence and change public opinion is well-known. We'll explore some art that supports and encourages free speech, and some that seeks to limit or shut down our first amendment right to speak out.

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Thursdays 9/18 & 9/25, TBD - UR Campus

Poet Julie Fritz will illustrate why we need poetry to navigate these confusing times. Not an academic study of poetry, this course will take a deep dive into how we can use our experiences and the poet's words to better understand our daily questions: where are we, what does it mean, how can we navigate? She will read from her book, 'Twinings,' and other contemporary poets, all knocking at the same door.

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Monday 9/8, TBD - UR Campus