Armstrong Browning Library Celebrates Annual Browning Day

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Contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321
WACO, Texas (May 3, 2016) – Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University will honor Robert Browning on what would have been his 204th birthday during the renowned library's annual Browning Day celebration.
The event, which includes music, a lecture and a reception, will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 6, in the Hankamer Treasure Room of Armstrong Browning Library. A reception will follow in the Cox Reception Hall.
"The Brownings were major poets, and Dr. Armstrong was very stuck by the optimism portrayed in Robert Browning's poetry," said Rita Patteson, director of Armstrong Browning Library and librarian/curator of manuscripts. "The Brownings today are being revived in the study of their poetry. They have become widely studied and quite popular."
The lecture, "Elizabeth Barrett Browning: 'Stung by the Splendor' of Italy," will be presented by Elizabeth D. Woodworth, Ph.D., professor and director of composition and the master's program in teaching writing at Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama. Woodworth will discuss Elizabeth Barrett Browning's relationship with Italy, with a special focus on poems that were inspired by her early infatuation with Italy and its wars for independence.
"Dr. Woodworth has held a visiting fellowship at the library in the past and has published a lot on Elizabeth Barrett Browning," said Patteson. "She is a creative writer and a very good speaker. When she was completing her Ph.D. at TCU, she did much of her research for her dissertation at the library, and we thought she would be an excellent speaker for this year."
Italian-inspired music for the event has been arranged by Carlos Colón, the artist-in-residence for the library, and will include a classical guitarist.
"We hope attendees become more inspired by the Browning's poetry and more interested in the library and get a chance to broaden their horizons," said Patteson.
The celebration is free and open to the public. Armstrong Browning Library is located at 710 Speight Ave.
by Jenna Press, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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