York Public Library will present its fourth annual Bancroft Lecture Series event, “Ordinary Citizens, Extraordinary Change: How Citizens Unite to Improve Their Communities,” featuring Dr. Rachael V. Cobb of Suffolk University. The free public program will explore the ways individuals can come together to strengthen their communities and create meaningful civic change.
The lecture will take place at York Public Library on Saturday, October 3 at 4:00 PM with a reception to follow.
Dr. Cobb is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Suffolk University, where she specializes in American politics, voting rights, election administration, and political participation. She co-chairs Suffolk Votes, a university-wide initiative focused on nonpartisan voter education and mobilization, and serves on the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Election Advisory Committee and the board of MassVOTE, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization.
Her work has a strong focus on connecting people with the civic life of their communities. Since 2006, Dr. Cobb has collaborated with the City of Boston to recruit college students to serve as poll workers. She has also worked with the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to update guidance for college poll workers. She holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an A.B. from Bryn Mawr College.
The Bancroft Lecture Series was established in memory of Dan Bancroft, who served as president of the York Public Library Association Board of Trustees from 2021 to 2023. A dedicated community volunteer and thoughtful leader, Dan was known for his ability to bring people together and encourage others to become engaged in the community.
The lecture is funded by the Dan Bancroft Memorial Endowment for Civic Leadership and Engagement at York Public Library. The endowment was established to honor Dan’s enduring impact on York and his belief in the power of individuals to make a difference.
“Dan understood that strong communities are built by people who show up, get involved, and care about one another,” said Michelle Sampson, Executive Director of York Public Library. “This lecture series is a wonderful way to continue that legacy by bringing people together for thoughtful conversation about civic engagement and the difference ordinary citizens can make.”
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit yorkpubliclibrary.org/cobb to register.
To learn more about the Dan Bancroft Memorial Endowment for Civic Leadership and Engagement or to contribute to the fund, visit the library’s website at yorkpubliclibrary.org/Bancroft.
About York Public Library
York Public Library is an independent, nonprofit library serving the York community. Through collections, programs, technology, and opportunities for connection, the Library provides resources and experiences that inform, inspire, and bring people together.
York Public Library is located at 15 Long Sands Road in York and is open Monday-Thursday 10a-7p; Friday 10a-5p; and Saturday 10a-2p.
