The educational and entertaining winter lecture series returns to Apache Junction Public Library in January.

A community favorite, these lectures explore topics of local and national interest, according to a release.

Programs include the impact of boarding schools on the language, culture, lifestyle and traditions of American Indian people; the beautiful significance of everyday Southwest symbols; a spirited discussion of the mescal agave plant — tequila is just one of its uses; and, to commemorate late U.S. Rep. John Lewis’ birthday, a discussion on our right to peaceful assembly, the release states.

New this year, the lectures are exclusively online through Zoom and registration is required. The six-session series begins at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. A schedule and instructions to register for the programs can be found at ajpl.org or call the library at 480-474-8555.

All lectures are free and made possible by the Arizona Humanities, the Friends of the Library of Apache Junction and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.