Banned Books Week: Indy celebrates rich history in the fight against censorship
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (KVML) is kicking off a weeklong series of in-person and virtual events on Sunday to celebrate national Banned Books Week.
An effort led by the American Library Association, Banned Books Week recognizes the freedom to read by raising awareness about censorship.
“People are often surprised when they come in here to see books they have actually read that are banned,” said Beth Ann Broadhurst who runs operations for KVML.
The museum honors the week annually with programming events designed to both entertain and educate.
As part of the week, KVML typically invites an Indianapolis thought leader to live in the museum behind a wall of real banned books in protest. Local restaurants donate food to the museum for the artist.
This year’s Banned Books Week theme is Civic Engagement and poet Manon Voice has been chosen as the “activist in residence.”
“This year will be special and unique for so many reasons as this is our first Banned Books Week since opening in our new home all while we’re trying to survive and navigate through a global pandemic,” says KVML Founder and CEO Julia Whitehead.
Week passes for all events start at $30 for members and $45 for non-members, but do not include the Oct. 1 fundraising event. The museum is currently open by appointment only.
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