Announcing the 2026 Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series
Democracy In Action: Building Bridges

YASEMIN SARI: Together: The Promise of Democracy
Saturday, March 14 | Coupeville Library
3:00 pm - Public Lecture
This event is a partnership with Humanities Washington.
Discover the vital role everyday conversations between community members play in a democratic system. These conversations can happen anywhere—a public park, a library, a place of worship, or even the beach. In this conversation with Professor Yasemin Sari, explore ways we can bridge this gap and create a world where the promise of democracy is brought fully to life.
Yasemin Sari is an assistant professor of philosophy at Seattle University. Her work focuses on the relationship between human rights, recognition, and equality, and investigates the questions of political agency through belonging in a democracy. Yasemin lives in Seattle.

SCOTT SHIGEOKA: Curiosity is a Bridge for Connection
Friday, March 20 | Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
5:30 pm - Sponsor Reception
7:30 pm - Public Lecture
Friday, March 20 | South Whidbey High School
Scott Shigeoka is an internationally recognized curiosity expert, TED speaker, and the award-winning author of SEEK: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.
His lecture will center on the practice of curiosity as a force for connection and transformation. Scott will share stories and concrete tools that anyone can apply to introduce more curiosity into their lives and communities—especially in an era of disconnection and division.
Scott Shigeoka has appeared on The Today Show, PBS, New York Times, NPR, BBC, Psyche, Harvard Business Review, The Guardian, and other global outlets to spread what he calls the "gospel of curiosity." Learn more about Scott at www.scottshigeoka.com.
Your Support Keeps the Series Going!

The Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series is 100% funded by community donations. The series is offered as a benefit to both adults and youth in our community, and would not be possible without the continued generosity of individuals, businesses, and community organizations. To help support the lecture series with a tax-deductible contribution, please click on the donate button above or mail a check in Trudy's honor to:
Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation
7312 35 Avenue NE
Marysville, WA 98271
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Download our 2026 Sponsorship Packet or contact Christina Kourteva at CKourteva@sno-isle.org or 360-547-2955 for more information.
Interested in joining the Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series Planning Committee? Please fill out our online application form.

About the Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series
Founded in 2016, the Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series honors beloved Whidbey Island teacher and community leader Trudy J. Sundberg and her lifelong commitment to discover, explore, and exchange information, ideas, and opinions in an environment of respect and consideration.
Each year, the series features a free public lecture by an eminent speaker and a special engagement activity at a Whidbey Island school designed to inspire and empower students. A planning committee of community volunteers, Library and Foundation staff selects the featured speakers. The lectures explore Trudy’s many areas of interest, including education, literature, history, the arts, civic engagement, and politics.
Presented in collaboration with the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, the Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series exemplifies public libraries’ commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual freedom.
The series is made possible thanks to generous contributions by individuals, businesses, community organizations, and support from the Trudy J. Sundberg Memorial Fund, established in Trudy's honor. The Fund is administered according to the policies and procedures of the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, adhering to guidelines established with the Greater Everett Community Foundation. Funds for the program may also be used to enhance pertinent library resources and access to information for residents of the Sno-Isle Libraries District.
Trudy Sundberg Lecture Series Planning Committee:
Shirley Bennett, Molly Carney, Emily Felt, Michele Kahrs, Kathleen Landel, Ace Martin, Liz McKeon, Katrina Morse, Christina Kourteva, Scott Stapleton
Watch Past Event Videos
- 2025 - Shane & Hannah Burcaw - Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability
- Kimber Cross -Can't. Will. Did: How resiliency and representation shaped an adaptive athlete’s journey to professional alpinism
- 2024 - Lyla June: Architects of Abundance: Indigenous Regenerative Food Systems & the Excavation of Hidden History
- 2024 - John Halliday: What is a Chief? How Native Values Can Teach Resilience (transcription)
- 2022 - Dr. Wade Davis: Why Ancient Wisdom Matters in the Modern World
- 2021 - Patsi Waller's Tribute to Trudy Sundberg
- 2020 - An Afternoon with Dr. Robert Williams
- 2019 - The Albatross on Midway Island: An evening with photographer and filmmaker Chris Jordan
- 2018 - Her Story featured author and women's advocate Jill Tietjen
- 2017 - Climate Action: What Now? featuring KC Golden and Xiuhtezcatl Martinez
- 2016 - Who Stole the American Dream featuring Hedrick Smith

"We just moved to Whidbey Island and could not believe Wade Davis was coming to Langley! We have followed him for 12 years. He is a rock star! You can bet we will support the Trudy Sundberg Lectures and will be at the lecture next year." - Wade Davis Lecture Attendees

7312 35th Ave NE
Marysville, WA 98271
360-651-7074 (local)
877-766-4753 ext. 7074















