LeVar Burton launched his acting career as a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in Roots, a landmark television series. Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, he is most proud of his role as host and executive producer of PBS’s Reading Rainbow, one of the longest-running and most acclaimed children’s programs in television history. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it earned over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.

Burton is the recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys. In 2024, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal for his lifelong work championing literacy. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, he remains dedicated to promoting the power of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives.

Presented by Missouri Humanities in partnership with Springfield-Greene County Library and the Friends of the Library, with sponsorship support from Missouri State University Libraries and Drury University.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Tickets for this event are free, and patrons can reserve up to 4 seats under their name.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Be ready to present your e-ticket.

Concessions will be sold from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

At 7:00 pm., Burton will participate in a 45-minute moderated discussion, followed by a 15-minute audience Q&A.

No photography or video recording is permitted at any time during the performance (unless otherwise authorized).