250Lex: Music and the Written Word

Join the Lexington Public Library and our partners, the City of Lexington, Institute 193, the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning, 21c Museum and Hotel, and the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, for a free public celebration reflecting on Lexington’s historic and rich literary history.

Enjoy a night with emcee Bo List, featuring readings from writers Eva Alcaraz-Monje, Nikky Finney, Silas House, George Ella Lyon, Danni Quintos, Katerina Stoykova, Frank X Walker, and Jeff Worley, as well as performances by Blackbird Dance Theatre, Tony Wavy, DeBraun Thomas, and a scene from Silas House's new play, Our Confederate Cousin.

Throughout the month of April, examples of the Lexington Public Library’s extensive archival newspaper collection will be on display downtown at Central Library featuring issues of the oldest Kentucky newspaper dating back to 1787, The Kentucky Gazette, Cassius Clay’s abolitionist newspaper, The True American, and other local almanacs, music scores, and publications from the 18^th through 20^th centuries. 

Other notable items in the exhibit include materials reflecting on local political races and the history of IBM in Lexington from the Lexington History Museum. New digital walking tours focusing on downtown Lexington history will also be available for streaming and download.