Arlington Reads Stirs It Up!

For 2026, Arlington Reads turns 20 and Arlington Public Library will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by looking at American life, history and culture through the lens of food. Join us for a conversation between American journalist Francis Lam and former food critic of the Washington Post Tom Sietsema to talk about cookbooks through the ages.

Francis Lam is the host of The Splendid Table, produced by American Public Media. Lam is the former Eat columnist for The New York Times Magazine and is Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Clarkson Potter, a division within Penguin Random House that is a leader in cookbook publishing. For two seasons, Lam was a regular judge on Bravo’s hit show, Top Chef Masters. An award-winning writer, Lam has written for numerous publications, including Gourmet, Bon Appetít and Food & Wine.  

Tom Sietsema is the former food critic of the Washington Post, where he worked for more than 25 years. A graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, he's the recipient of a James Beard Award for his writing on dining and travel. He's previously written for Gourmet, GQ, Food & Wine and Microsoft. 

REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED. First-come, first-served seating.  By registering, you will receive event updates. 

The event will also be livestreamed and available as a recording on Arlington County's Youtube channel; please register to receive the online link. 

For more information, contact LibraryPrograms@arlingtonva.us

• Location campus Central Library
• Audience:
  • Events for Adults
• Categories:
  • Author Talk