A community celebration of an essential Kentucky voice.
Public readings from the work of poet, essayist, novelist, farmer, and Kentuckian Wendell Berry who died Aug. 31 at his storied home in Henry County. The event offers an opportunity for people attending and beyond to submit personal reflections that will be gathered and published as a webpage reflecting community voices and insights.
Two Ways to Participate
VOLUNTEER TO BE A READER: We invite fans and readers of Wendell Berry’s work to take an active part in the celebration by reading aloud a favorite poem or excerpt from his work. Participants can choose any work and volunteer to read during a 5-minute block on Saturday morning. The public event will focus entirely on reading Berry’s words and works. If you would like to read but your selection is shorter than the 5-minute block, you can indicate that on the sign-up form, and we will schedule a shorter period. Volunteers will be accepted first-come, first-served, for as long as time slots permit. Click HERE to be a reader.
SHARE A PERSONAL REFLECTION: For those who read at the event -- and for people who cannot be present on Sept. 26, or Wendell Berry fans from outside Danville and Boyle County -- we offer an opportunity to publicly share personal experiences, impacts, or thoughts that illuminate the work and legacy of Wendell Berry. Submissions to the written forum will be accepted through Monday, Oct. 5. Click HERE to share a personal reflection.
Wendell Berry was a Kentucky icon. He was a powerful champion for community life, the importance of agriculture, honoring the importance of nature, strong and active local economies, civic engagement, and personal generosity and hospitality. In all forms of his writing, he presented ideas and situations that pushed people to think harder and live better. In the wake of his death, many library patrons expressed being deeply moved by his life and work. In response, our organizations have settled upon a unique community opportunity and response to raise up his words and ideas, gather in his honor, and create a record that will bring together individual voices that honor his thought-provoking leadership and encourage others to keep exploring.
Offered in partnership with Boyle County Farmers' Market, Boyle County Public Library, Story Center, and Centre College.