This March, the After Hours at the Library annual fundraiser, opens a new window returns with a World Cup–inspired theme: “We Welcome the World.” As Kansas City prepares to host matches this summer and international teams scout Rock Chalk Park for their practice facilities, the library hopes to channel the palpable excitement at the library fundraiser on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 7–9:30 PM.
This year’s festivities will be co-hosted by our dynamic pair of emcees: the incomparable Deja Brooks and the charismatic Mr. KU himself, Curtis Marsh.
Deja — Brandon Eisman’s iconic drag persona — is well known around the library for hosting Deja’s Reading Rainbow storytime as well as consistently supporting the library as co-host of the annual fundraiser since 2019.
Curtis is a prolific and enthusiastic advocate for the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community as a whole. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he might just be the biggest KU fan alive today. If you needed proof, he literally wrote the book on the University of Kansas history and traditions, KU-phoria!.
Together, Curtis and Deja will co-host an evening of live music, global cuisine, an international scavenger hunt, and a special Fund-A-Need. This year's Fund-A-Need, opens a new window invites the community to help build a permanent outdoor performance space to transform the lawn into a vibrant community gathering place for music, stories, and more. Donations for the Fund-A-Need can be made either online or at the fundraiser on March 6.
To get to know our emcees a little better, we interviewed Brandon and Curtis about what they love about Lawrence, why they support the library, and what attendees can look forward to at the fundraiser.
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What originally brought you to Lawrence? What do you enjoy about living here?
Curtis:
I came to Lawrence to attend KU in the late 80s. I loved it so much, I never left. As far as I'm concerned, it is the perfect college town and the perfect place to raise a family.
Brandon (Deja):
I moved to Lawrence after college at Emporia State University and quickly fell in love with the community. I enjoy how welcoming it is and the genuine sense of connection among the people who live here.
Do you have any early memories about going to the public library?
Brandon:
I truly grew up in the library. The Linwood Community Library felt like a second home. I attended summer reading programs as a kid, volunteered to help organize those programs, and eventually worked part-time at the library throughout middle school and high school.
Curtis:
I loved taking my kids to children's storytime at LPL when they were growing up. The wonderful librarian who read to them was so sweet and even remembered the boys as they grew up.
You are both deeply involved in our community. What inspires you to take such an active role in these spaces?
Curtis:
First, I want my family to live in a spectacular community. To me, Lawrence is that place, and I want to work to keep it that way. Second, some really amazing people live in Larryville, and I cherish the time I spend helping them make this place great.
Brandon:
I love supporting organizations that provide safe spaces for all, and LPL is exactly that. Being a board member of the Friends and Foundation has allowed me to truly get behind what the library needs in terms of support, and I am honored to be part of such meaningful work.
What inspired you to support Lawrence Public Library?
Brandon:
My support for LPL grew naturally through attending story times as a parent, which eventually led to the opportunity to host Deja’s Reading Rainbow storytime. The ability to use a platform like drag to support the library in a nontraditional way speaks volumes about this community and its support for such an amazing library.
Curtis:
LPL is one of the most important gathering places for our community. Now more than ever, we need places to come together and share common interests and learn from each other. As a college town, Lawrence enjoys a reputation for being a community of people who seek knowledge and understanding. That kind of community has to have a strong public library, and we've got it!
As the emcees of the After Hours Fundraiser, do you have any sneak peeks for what attendees might expect?
Curtis:
How much fun it will be to celebrate Lawrence's role in hosting the World Cup! You can already feel the energy building towards this summer's activities. Along with the unmatched energy of the incomparable Deja Brooks...it will be an evening to remember.
Brandon:
At this point, me running around in heels has become part of the After Hours experience, and this year will be no exception. Expect lots of energy, some goal hitting, and a night full of fun surprises. I’m beyond excited to co-host with Curtis Marsh, aka Mr. KU, and I hope he and all of you are ready for a fabulous After Hours.
Tickets Are Now Available
Purchase your ticket now, opens a new window or take part in the library’s new VIP experience, including early entry into our library speakeasy and a guaranteed seat at a table. Please note that regardless of which “ticket” you choose, there are no physical tickets to pick up. Your reservation will be added to our RSVP list, and all you’ll need to do is provide your name when you arrive at the fundraiser.
The coinciding annual basket raffle will be live at the library and online from Thursday, February 26, through Thursday, March 5. Winners will be announced at the party, and do not have to be present to win.
We are grateful for any support our community provides for the library, from checking out books to bidding on a basket to helping us achieve our Fund-A-Need goal. We hope you have the chance to experience all the music, food, and fun the fundraiser has to offer.
About Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn, connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers. All are welcome.