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As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Mary Riley Styles Public Library is proud to invite speakers from federal government agencies to share their stories of public service. This month, we are honored to welcome Michael Dennis, formerly of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

With foundations in the House and Home Financing Agency, HUD was founded as a Department in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" program. The agency administers federal housing and urban development laws. The lack of affordable housing is a major challenge facing many communities across the United States. Mr. Dennis will describe several of HUD's main Federal housing programs; discuss what lessons can be learned from some of their successes, setbacks, and trade-offs; and review how programs and policies have evolved over time.

Throughout this semiquincentennial year, learn more about the work federal government employees perform -- and why it matters. Come hear from current and former federal workers as they discuss the history and mission of their agencies, along with a description of their own careers and achievements. We are excited to put these often behind-the-scenes federal workers in the spotlight!