This live Q&A with Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, showcases our third president's love of books and his belief that the foundation of any democracy must rest on access to education. Jefferson discusses his libraries, the ones he personally owned and others he helped found, the role of literature in his own life, and how free and enslaved people at Monticello were encouraged to – or prevented from – learning to read.
Monticello's livestreams are made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.