The Friends of the Princeton Public Library will host a virtual fundraiser on Saturday, January 30 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. “Restoring Civility and Bringing Social Justice to American Life: A Virtual Brunch and Talk” features four lifelong advocates for social justice as they share their vision for a more just, egalitarian, and united America. 

Guest speakers include Richard Cordray, former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under President Obama, and Ralph Nader, legendary consumer advocate – named by Time, Life, and Atlantic magazines as one of the 100 most influential people in American history – in conversation with Carl Mayer. Special guest Andy Shallal will prepare dishes from Nader’s recently released cookbook. 

Cordray’s new book, Watchdog, outlines how the bureau acted quickly to protect consumers from ill-doing by the financial services industry. Nader’s latest book is The Nader Family Cookbook, which shares the cuisine of his Lebanese upbringing, presenting both popular and lesser-known dishes as well as stories about how his parents taught him social justice in the kitchen. Shallal, founder of Busboys and Poets, will prepare select dishes from Nader’s cookbook. 

Attendees may purchase a copy of the cookbook and cook along with the presenters during the 90-minute discussion where no topic will be off-limits, and participants can question each speaker. 

Nader will be participating via audio only. 

All participants will receive copies of Watchdog: How Protecting Consumers Can Save Our Families, Our Economy, and Our Democracy and Carl Mayer’s Shakedown: The Fleecing of The Garden State. Copies of Ralph Nader’s The Nader Family Cookbook can be ordered via Labyrinth Books by calling 609.497.1600. 

Tickets are $65 each and can be purchased at https://princetonlibrary.org/support-us/friends/friends-events-2/.