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ALOUD

After the Fall: The Rise of Authoritarianism in the World We’ve Made

Date: Thursday, Sep 18, 2025
Time: 7pm
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library
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In partnership with the ACLU of Southern California

The 2025 Fall ALOUD season opens with a not-to-be missed conversation about the current state of America presented in partnership with the ACLU of Southern California. Join acclaimed journalist, co-host of Pod Save the World, and two-time New York Times bestseller Ben Rhodes and Executive Director of the ACLU of Southern California Chandra S. Bhatnagar as they discuss Rhodes’ essential new book After the Fall: Being American in the World We’ve Made.

A seasoned political journalist and former Deputy National Security Advisor and speechwriter for President Barack Obama, Rhodes examines various issues and events that have paved the way for the unchecked nationalism and authoritarianism endangering our democracy today. Rhodes and Bhatnagar will discuss where America has gone wrong and how essential it is now to fight for what America can and should be.

“Vital reading for Americans and people anywhere who seek to understand what is happening ‘after the fall’ of the global system created by the United States” — New York Journal of Books

Frequently asked questions

For questions related to the venue, please visit the event registration page.

Books purchased with your reservation are non-refundable. If the event is ticketed, tickets are also non-refundable. Thank you for supporting the Los Angeles Public Library.

Book purchases are only available for pick-up at the event. We strongly encourage you to purchase your book(s) in advance of the event because we cannot guarantee quantities that will be available for sale day of.

Where should I park?

We recommend taking public transportation.

Parking for the Central Library is available at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. If you park at the Westlawn Garage, 524 S. Flower Street lot, there is a $10 charge if you exit after 9:00 PM ($1 with Library card validation before 9:00 PM).

LAPL patrons can obtain validation upon presenting a valid library card at the Central Library’s Information Desk (first floor) before the program.

For more information, visit the Central Library’s website: LFLA.org/Parking

As this program is free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a full program your free reservation may not guarantee admission.

We recommend arriving early. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at the start of each program.

You may access the online livestream of the event here: lfla.org/YouTube.

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What is your refund policy?

All books are non-refundable. Thank you for supporting the Los Angeles Public Library.

Where can I pick up my book?

Book purchases will be only available for in-person pick-up at the event. Please note: We strongly encourage you to purchase your book(s) in advance of the event; we cannot guarantee quantities available for sale at the event.

Where should I park?

We recommend taking public transportation. Parking for the Central Library is available at the Westlawn Garage at 524 S. Flower Street. If you park at the Westlawn Garage, 524 S. Flower Street lot, there is a $8 charge if you exit after 9:00 PM ($1 with Library card validation before 9:00 PM).

Where can I get a parking validation?

Patrons can obtain validation upon presenting a valid library card at the Central Library’s Information Desk (first floor) BEFORE the program. For more information, visit the Central Library’s website: LFLA.org/Parking

What if a program is full?

You are welcome to come as a standby guest. Standby numbers are distributed one hour before the program on a first-come, first served basis. Admission is subject to availability.

What is your reservation for free programs?

As this program is free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at the start of each program.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact the Public Programs office at programs@lfla.org or by calling 213.292.6254.

Mask Policy

Masks are no longer required in city libraries; like in other indoor places, masks will be strongly recommended.

 

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Stacy-Lieberman_headshot_President-and-CEO_LFLA

Stacy Lieberman

As President and CEO of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA), Stacy Lieberman is an innovative and inclusive leader whose career dwells at the intersection of arts and culture, lifelong learning, storytelling, and equitable access. Stacy guides the Foundation’s philanthropic and public-facing priorities to serve the Los Angeles Public Library, embracing the notion that libraries are beacons of democracy where everyone is welcome. She works intentionally with community leaders, donors, and internal and external strategic partners to raise awareness and resources for the Library and its life-changing initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, Stacy has left an indelible mark on iconic L.A. arts, non-profit, and educational institutions such as The Broad, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Skirball Cultural Center. Building on an early career in book publishing, she has dedicated her professional life to sharing stories and broadening the reach of public institutions to welcome visitors and students of all ages and backgrounds to experience educational, arts, and cultural opportunities.