photo by: AP File

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, Aug. 28, 1963.

Lawrence groups are gearing up to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, and some events honoring the civil rights leader and his message are even sooner on the horizon.

A number of events have been scheduled, including these:

Saturday

• The Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, will present “April 4th, 1968: Dare To Dream” in partnership with nonprofit Life Restoration Ministries at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The performance is written and directed by local playwright Rita Rials and honors the life and legacy of King and the civil rights movement. Tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for people 18 and under.

Monday

• The Lawrence Public Library is partnering with Americorps volunteers with the United Way of Kaw Valley, B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence, Taco Zone and the Kansas Volunteer Commission to host a day of events recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All events will take place at the library, 707 Vermont St.

The library’s events will start with MLK Storytime from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a taco bar by Taco Zone and documentary screening from noon to 1:30 p.m. Supplies for the taco bar are available for up to 100 guests. Later in the afternoon, the library is hosting a zine workshop with B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mercedes Lucero and Alex Kimball Williams, two of Black Literature and Arts Collective of Kansas’ founding members, will lead the workshop, share the work of several members of the collective and offer the chance for workshop attendees to share their own work.

The library will also host a donation drive for the City of Lawrence’s Winter Emergency Shelter, which will be ongoing from Monday to Jan. 22. Donation requests include prepackaged nonperishable food items, hygiene supplies, underwear, wool socks, towels, hand and foot warmers, baby wipes, hats, gloves, vitamin C powder and individual tissue packs. The drive won’t be accepting used items. Members of the library’s Kids’ Action Club will help pack those donations into kits. Contributions can be dropped off at the library’s donation table in the auditorium or at the Ask Desk throughout the week.

• The Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club and Ecumenical Ministers of Lawrence are hosting their 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast at Maceli’s Banquet Hall and Catering, 1031 New Hampshire St., from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Individual tickets are $10.

Tuesday, Jan. 17

• New York Elementary’s annual MLK Jr. community meal is set for Jan. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the school, 936 New York St. The chili dinner is free to all families, community members and school staff, but donations are appreciated.

Thursday, Jan. 19

• Lawrence Public Schools’ “One Dream MLK Celebration: Love Illuminates Life” will take place Jan. 19 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. The school district’s annual event honors students, school staff and community members with awards for making a positive difference in their schools and the community as a whole.