Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library |
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| Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library in 2022 | |
| Type | Library |
| Established | January 2011 |
| Location | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
| Coordinates | 39°46′32″N 86°09′59″W / 39.775583°N 86.166269°W |
| Other information | |
| Director | Julia Whitehead (Executive Director and Founder) |
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is a special place in Indianapolis, Indiana. It celebrates the amazing life and work of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., a famous writer and artist who grew up there. The museum and library opened its doors in January 2011.
It was first located in a historic building called The Emelie. Then, in November 2019, it moved to a new home at 543 Indiana Avenue. This new location helps the library continue its important work.
The library is more than just a place with books. It's also a museum, an art gallery, and a learning center. It helps people learn about reading, writing, and art through different programs. The library works with other art groups to make Indianapolis a great place for creativity.
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library also helps bring visitors to Indianapolis. City leaders see it as an important spot that makes people want to explore the city. In September 2021, the library was named a Literary Landmark. This means it's recognized as a place important to literature.
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What You'll Find Inside
When you visit the library, you can explore a museum, an art gallery, and a quiet reading room. The museum has many cool items from Kurt Vonnegut's life. You can see his Purple Heart medal, which he received for his service in World War II.
There's also his old typewriter, a Smith-Corona Coronamatic 2200. You might even spot an unopened box of his favorite cigarettes. His children found these behind a bookcase after he passed away. Another interesting item is an unopened letter his father sent him during World War II.
The museum also shows off rejection letters Vonnegut received from magazines. These letters are rotated so you can see different ones. A special part of the museum is a full copy of his writing studio. It looks just like where he used to work!
The art gallery inside the library features art from both local and national artists. In the reading room, you can find many of Vonnegut's books. On the wall, there's a famous quote from him: "We are what we pretend to be so we must be careful what we pretend to be." The new building also has a special exhibit about his book Slaughterhouse-Five. Soon, a new exhibit celebrating freedom to read will open.
Helping Students and Writers
The library is a great resource for students from elementary school to high school. It supports the Shortridge High School newspaper, which Kurt Vonnegut himself edited when he was a teenager. Teachers can also get help through a program called "Teaching Teachers to Teach Vonnegut." This program helps educators learn how to teach Vonnegut's books to teenagers.
Every year, the library holds a writing contest for high school students. Winners can receive scholarships, like the Kurt Vonnegut Writing Award. Local writers, both professional and amateur, can also find support. The library hosts various writing events and discussions for them.
Fighting for Reading Freedom
The library strongly believes in the freedom to read and opposes banning books. For example, when a high school in Missouri banned Vonnegut's famous 1969 novel Slaughterhouse Five, the library took action. They offered free copies of the book to students at that school.
A library representative explained their reason: "We just want you to read it and decide for yourself." This shows their commitment to letting young people explore ideas.
The library also includes military veterans in its programs. Kurt Vonnegut was a veteran of World War II himself. The library holds an annual event called "Veterans Reclaim Armistice Day." It also displays veterans' artwork and writings. They offer writing workshops and ways for veterans to use art to share their stories.
So It Goes Magazine
The library publishes an annual literary magazine called So It Goes. It first came out in December 2012. The magazine features poetry and stories that capture the spirit of Kurt Vonnegut's writing. Each issue has a different theme. Past themes have included War and Peace, Humor, and Social Justice.
Many well-known writers have contributed to the magazine. These include Tim O'Brien, Lewis Black, and Marge Piercy.
See also
