Full Breakdown
Boston Public Library Hosts Annual Hundred-Year Book Debate
2/9/2026, 9:57:50 PM
Overview of the Event
The Hundred-Year Book Debate at the Boston Public Library (BPL) is an annual event that celebrates literature published a century ago. This year, the debate will take place on February 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. in Rabb Hall at the BPL’s Central Library in Copley Square. Three local experts will advocate for notable books published in 1926: Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises,” Langston Hughes’s “The Weary Blues,” and A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh.” The event culminates in a vote by the audience, both in-person and online, to determine the winning book.
Key Figures & Groups
The debate will be moderated by Kennedy Elsey, cohost of Mix 104.1’s morning radio program, who has hosted the event five times. Elsey expressed her enthusiasm for the library, stating, “When I moved to Boston the library was one of the first places I went. This event fills my book nerd heart.” Amanda Doyle-Bouvier, the new head of the Associates of the BPL, emphasized the importance of the debate in raising awareness of the library’s Special Collections, which include first-edition copies of the featured books. Lisa Fagin Davis, chair of the debate committee, noted that the event celebrates both books and book history.
Importance of the Special Collections
The BPL’s Special Collections, supported by over $1.2 million annually from the Associates, house rare books and artifacts dating back to before the library's establishment in 1848. Doyle-Bouvier highlighted the significance of preserving these cultural artifacts, stating, “It’s so important right now that we continue to lift up the history and any lessons that are contained in these cultural artifacts, rather than allowing them to be erased.” The debate serves to connect contemporary readers with historical literature.
Audience Engagement and Atmosphere
The event encourages audience participation, with attendees often dressing up and bringing signs. The atmosphere is lively, characterized by applause and gasps as advocates present their cases. Davis remarked on the unpredictability of the outcomes, recalling last year’s surprise victory of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” over F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Elsey echoed this sentiment, stating, “Every year, I think I know who’s gonna win and every year I’m wrong. And that’s what makes it so fun!”
Official Statements & Responses
Davis described the debate as an opportunity to celebrate books and their histories, while Doyle-Bouvier emphasized the importance of access to original artifacts for researchers and authors. The event aims to draw connections between modern readers and literature from a century ago.
What's Next
The Hundred-Year Book Debate is expected to attract a diverse audience, with free admission requiring prior reservations through Eventbrite. The outcome of the debate will not only determine the winning book but also foster a deeper appreciation for literary heritage among participants.
