Bookwoman | The Personal Librarian (BW23-43)

by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Wednesday, July 10

10:00–11:30 am

All women are invited to these discussions to share observations, enthusiasm, insights and the pure enjoyment of reading.

In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.

But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.

Registration REQUIRED by 7/8
Minimum Registration: 4

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Paid enrollment in a Womanspace class must be cancelled in order for the student to be eligible for a refund. A refund (minus a $10 non-refundable deposit, minus the 3% service fee) will be granted according to the following:

• If you cancel up to 7 calendar days prior to a program or event, your payment, less the non-refundable deposit and service fee, will be refunded.
• If you cancel 4 days in advance, you may have your payment, less the non-refundable deposit, transferred to another program.
• In the last 3 days, there are no refunds.
• Womanspace reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment by the registration deadline, in which case, full refunds will be made.