Youth Activism Project Presents:
Words on Fire
This summer, we’re proud to launch Words on Fire, our activist reading program presented as part of the Big Read, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and in collaboration with DC Public Libraries. Our 2025 program centers on Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 — a timeless novel that challenges us to confront censorship, question conformity, and examine the impact of technology and mass media on our lives.
Through a shared reading experience, Words on Fire will bring together youth and adults across DC to spark bold conversations, fuel creative expression, and strengthen civic leadership through the power of literature.
At a time when the future of the NEA is under threat, the message of Fahrenheit 451 — and the dialogue it inspires, couldn’t be more urgent.
Under the banner of our second consecutive Big Read program with the National Endowment for the Arts, we are partnering with DC Public Libraries to host Words on Fire — a bold, youth-led series that brings Fahrenheit 451 to life through discussion, art, and civic imagination.
Through collaboration with DCPL’s Teen Library Council and Know Your Power programs, Words on Fire creates space for young leaders to explore the urgent themes of Fahrenheit 451 — including individuality, censorship, and the role of technology and mass media — and reimagine a more just future.
Words on Fire features two powerful components:
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📖 Dynamic discussions that connect Fahrenheit 451’s themes to the challenges and opportunities we face today.
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✍️ Creative workshops that blend art, writing, and civic learning to empower young people to dream and design new realities for our society.
📅 Words on Fire Event Schedule
We’re hosting three Words on Fire events this summer — each designed to spark thoughtful dialogue and inspire creative expression around Fahrenheit 451’s powerful themes.
🌟 MLK Library
📍 Room 401.A Conference Center
July 2 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🌟 Virtual Event (Zoom)
July 26 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🌟 Capitol View Library
July 30 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Each event will feature a rich discussion of the novel’s themes, followed by creative workshops where participants can reflect and share their visions for a better future.
Exciting Free Book Giveaways & Prizes for Participants!
Youth Contest for Creative Resistance
Youth ages 13–19 who participate in Words on Fire will have the chance to win a $100 prize for a creative submission inspired by the program!
Submissions can take any form — including (but not limited to) artwork, prose, poetry, music, photography, or video. Let your creativity shine as you explore the themes of Fahrenheit 451 and reimagine the future.
Deadline: August 30 at 11:59 PM EST
📚 Free Book Giveaway: Fahrenheit 451
Live in the DC area? Want a free copy of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury?
As part of our Words on Fire activist reading program, we're giving away free copies of Fahrenheit 451 to anyone in the DC area who attends one of our in-person discussions.
Books are available first come, first serve, and we’ll even arrange to drop it off at a location in your neighborhood!
Come join the conversation—and get your free book while supplies last.