To the editor: Library Foundation President Kenneth Brecher claims the ALOUD series was “stagnating”; we believe the 25-year record — to the present — of cultural and literary programming at the Los Angeles Public Library speaks for itself.

Throughout our working career with the Library Foundation (a combined 33 years), we guided conversations among authors and artists, politicians and scientists, activists and community members that were rooted in trust, respect and diversity. The vast majority of programs were free and open to all members of the public.

ALOUD held a unique place in the larger cultural landscape in the way that it fostered civic debate within the sanctity of the public library, a place where all are welcome. The success of projects like “Visualizing Language: Oaxaca in L.A.” or a public reading of Nelson Mandela’s prison letters (with local writers joined by Mandela’s granddaughter) are just a few examples of how public programs can reflect the most urgent issues of our time, provoking engaging discussions among a multi-generational, culturally diverse cohort of Angelenos.