Like several local cultural organizations, the St. Louis Public Library  has started a group to attract young professionals. This group, of course, is particularly for those love books and want to support the city library. 

Luckily, this should be a no-brainer for energetic city residents: The library system is widely recognized as one of the best urban libraries in the country.

The library announced a new event at Art St. Louis that features author Harper Barnes talking about his history of the 1917 East St. Louis race riot. Here is information from the press release:

Former St. Louis Post-Dispatch editor and cultural critic Harper Barnes will speak to Young Literati members and friends at “America the Beautiful & Beyond,” a multimedia exhibition taking place at Art St. Louis’ new gallery, located downtown at 555 Washington Ave.

Barnes will be on hand Aug. 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss and sign his new book, “Never Been a Time: The 1917 Race Riot that Sparked the Civil Rights Movement.” Admission is free to the public.

“Art St. Louis is excited to present an exhibit that highlights some of the favorable and not-so-favorable aspects of our nation’s history,” said Kate Poss, marketing and development director, Art St. Louis. “We hope Harper Barnes’ book sparks some insightful dialogue on an unsettling era.”

“As a new young professionals group, the Young Literati is thrilled to host Harper Barnes for this unique event that brings together the literary and visual arts,” said Liz Reeves, director of development and communications, St. Louis Public Library. “Our members will be able to engage in thoughtful discussion about the various topics generated from the themes of the evening.”

This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are appreciated. For more information, contact Kate Poss at 314-241-4810.

The Young Literati is a group for young professionals interested in enhancing the life and vitality of the St. Louis Public Library by supporting its programs and building relationships with others who share a passion for the Library’s work. The newly formed group will host its first event, “Friday Night Fright,” at Central Library on Oct. 24 and will participate in the Library’s Dec. 6 fundraiser, “Winter White,” by supporting the event’s after party.

Created in 1989, the St. Louis Public Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library’s programs and services through fundraising and relationship building. Its pivotal project will be to undertake a capital campaign to support the complete restoration and modernization of the downtown Central Library, designed by renowned American architect Cass Gilbert and built in 1912.

For more information about the St. Louis Public Library Foundation, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call 314-539-0359.