The Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library and The Indianapolis Public Library have joined together to broaden the reach of programming and provide greater opportunities for individuals to learn about the life, works and legacy of iconic Indianapolis author Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
The two local institutions have announced a partnership in which the Vonnegut Library will utilize spaces within Central Library downtown (40 E. St. Clair Street) for key events over the coming year. Library spaces include the 300-seat Clowes Auditorium, ideal for lectures, musical and theatrical performances, and multi-media programs. Beginning with the daylong VonnegutFest on Nov. 8, the Vonnegut Library will hold all of its major programs at Central Library, including the Night of Vonnegut in April 2015, a portion of Banned Books Week activities in September 2015, and VonnegutFest 2015.
“In the past, we have shuffled around from one venue to another for our events as we do not have space in our own facility to hold groups of more than 100 people or more,” said Julia Whitehead, executive director of the Vonnegut Library. “The Vonnegut Library looks forward to partnering with Central Library on multiple projects. We have enjoyed working with the staff of Central Library in the past, and we anticipate this will be a beneficial relationship for both organizations.”
In addition to the space agreement, the Vonnegut Library and The Indianapolis Public Library plan to continue conversations about other ways that the two organizations can support each other’s mission.
“This is an excellent example of how partnerships can help each organization achieve its goals,” said Jackie Nytes, CEO of The Indianapolis Public Library. “We are absolutely thrilled to play a role in promoting the activities of the Vonnegut Library while at the same time advancing the Library’s scope of programming to meet the literary and cultural needs of our community. Central Library’s beautiful Clowes Auditorium and other venues within the Library offer a perfect setting for programs that celebrate our city’s favorite son/author.”
VonnegutFest 2014 will feature events throughout the city, but important events at Central Library will include a Veterans Reclaim Armistice Day panel discussion and veterans resource fair, a lecture/discussion with former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins, and the second annual “Timequake Clambake” dinner event featuring literary humor and more.
For more information about upcoming programming, visit the Vonnegut Memorial Library at vonnegutlibrary.org, or The Indianapolis Public Library at indypl.org.
