Kurt Vonnegut’s relationship with his hometown of Indianapolis was often strained during his writing career. The progressive themes of his books didn’t always find a welcome audience in conservative Indiana.
Just three years after Kurt’s death this is starting to change. Thanks in part to the addition of the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library in Downtown Indianapolis.
The mission of the library states:
Mission
The KVML is a public benefit, nonprofit organization championing the literary, artistic, and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist, and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. The library will serve as a cultural and educational resource facility, museum, art gallery, and reading room. It will support language and visual arts education through programs and outreach activities with other local arts organizations to foster a strong arts network for both the local and national community. The library will be located in the historic Emelie Building in downtown Indianapolis (340 N. Senate Avenue) thanks to the support of Katz & Korin, PC.
I paid a visit to the library during it’s “preview” hours and was very excited by what I saw. Samples of Kurt’s quotations and artwork tastefully decorate the walls of the small library.
The library also houses personal memorabilia such as the Purple Heart Kurt received during World War II and the typewriter he used during the 1970s.
The library will officially open January 29th 2011. I strongly recommend you pay a visit and recognize this great American author and Hoosier native son.
