Kansas City Gears Up for Historic Literary Event with Margaret Atwood

Kansas City Prepares for a Literary Night to Remember

The streets of Kansas City are buzzing with excitement as the city gears up for a stellar literary event. On Tuesday, September 24, renowned author Margaret Atwood, best known for her classic novel “The Handmaid’s Tale,” will take the stage at Unity Temple on the Plaza. This event is the grand finale of the Kansas City Public Library’s 150th anniversary speaker series, and it’s expected to draw one of the largest crowds for a literary event in the city’s history!

Tickets Vanished in Seconds

60 seconds, all of the original free tickets were claimed by eager fans. Not long after, the overflow seating area was filled to capacity in just 10 minutes! Due to the overwhelming demand, the event was relocated from the library’s downtown location to Unity Temple, which boasts a seating capacity about three times larger than the original venue. Fans were quick to snap up the additional tickets made available for this special evening, with all seats claimed within two hours.

Library Director’s Pride

Abby Yellman, the library’s director and chief executive, shared her enthusiasm about the event, saying, “With this incredible outpouring of enthusiasm, we are thrilled to welcome as many people as possible to hear directly from Atwood on the themes that resonate throughout her work: libraries as bastions of knowledge, the importance of intellectual freedom, and the critical role of storytelling in preserving individual rights and freedoms. What better way to celebrate 150 years.”

A Celebration of Literature

Margaret Atwood, now at the remarkable age of 84, has penned over 40 books, covering a wide array of genres from fiction and nonfiction to poetry and short stories. Her iconic dystopian novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” has transcended its literary origins, achieving significant success as an award-winning television series. During the event, she will engage in conversation about her life’s work and share her thoughts on why libraries are so crucial to society, alongside the library’s own Kaite Stover.

Event Details You Don’t Want to Miss

If you’re eager to be part of this literary gathering, mark your calendars with the following details:

• Date: Tuesday, September 24
• Time: 7 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
• Location: Unity Temple, 707 W. 47th St.
• Admission: Free, but tickets are required
• Parking: Free on the sixth floor of the parking garage at 707-799 W. 47th St.

Something Special for Attendees

For those attending, there will be a limited number of signed books available for purchase from Rainy Day Books, limited to one per guest while supplies last. Additionally, guests can enjoy live music from The Wires before the program begins. As a sweet send-off, attendees can indulge in a tasty treat from Dutzel’s catering as they exit the event.

Join the Live Stream

If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a ticket, don’t fret! The event will be available via livestream, so you can still enjoy all the insights and conversations from the comfort of your home. Make sure to register before the event starts at 7 p.m. on September 24.

It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable evening in Kansas City, bringing together literature lovers from all walks of life to celebrate the incredible legacy of Margaret Atwood and the important role libraries play in our community. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with words and ideas that inspire!