Meeting active authors is the best way to understand what literature is all about. Founded in 1997 in honor of former English Department Chair Rufus Reiberg, and renamed in 2006 to include his wife Louise, the series annually brings national and regional writers to the IU Indianapolis campus to present their work and take audience questions. All readings are free and open to you and the public.
Exposure to authors who are actively teaching, writing, and publishing provides you with models of the writing life that will inspire you to follow your own dreams. Past guest writers have included Maxine Hong Kingston, Edward Hirsch, Sr. Helen Prejean, Tyehimba Jess, Frank X. Walker, Crystal Wilkerson, Roger Mitchell, Reginald Shepherd, Achy Obejas, Nin Andrews, Martin Espada, and Porter Shreve. Readings almost always take place in the Lilly Auditorium of University Library, 755 W. Michigan St. at 7:30 pm. However, this event has been broadcast via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information contact Terry Kirts, Director at tkirts@iu.edu or visit The Rufus and Louise Reiberg Reading Series @ IUI on Facebook.
As part of the vibrant literary scene in Indianapolis, the IU Indianapolis Student Readings are home to a growing family of aspiring writers, performance poets, and musicians. Events take place monthly at local venues in the spring and fall semesters. Presentations by seasoned student writers and performers are followed by open-mic time for newcomers. Mini poetry-slam competitions kick off each semester, and audience members compete for seasonally-themed prizes through haiku-or prose-writing contests.
Admission is free, and the public is welcome. Students and community members interested in participating in the readings should contact Terry Kirts at tkirts@iu.edu or visit IUI Student Readings on Facebook.
In addition to being dedicated teachers, English Department faculty are also preeminent and prolific writers. At least once per semester, faculty gather with students and members of the community to read their nascent work, solicit feedback, and share their process. These gatherings occur in local bookshops, coffee shops, over Zoom (when necessary), and right here in Cavanaugh Hall.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
For more information, contact Terry Kirts at tkirts@iu.edu.
