© 2025 WEKU
NPR for Northern, Central and Eastern Kentucky
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Public Media funding is under threat. You can help! Join WEKU's 1850 campaign for the future! 1,850 new supporters, each giving $10 monthly to keep WEKU strong. We are down to 1498 to go! Donate today!

Lexington honors literary contributors as part of 250th anniversary

stock photo of books
pixabay.com
stock photo of books

Lexington is continuing its 250th anniversary tradition by recognizing its literary tradition throughout April.

The city is honoring that tradition by hosting events like poetry readings, historical exhibitions and hip hop performances at places like its public library system and the Carnegie Center for Literacy.

Lexington Arts and Cultural Affairs Director Heather Lyons says the city has long been a cradle for writers.

“Even before the naming of the city of Lexington in 1775 this area had a reputation as a literary and educational hub. We had the first newspaper, book publisher, university library and bookstore east of the southern Appalachian Mountains,” Lyons said.

Kicking off the series of events is a poetry reading at the Kentucky Theatre April 8. That includes readings from current Poet Laureate Silas House alongside other former Poets Laureates Frank X Walker, George Ella Lyon and Jeff Worle.

Other events include the Kentucky Great Writers Series at the Carnegie Center April 15, also featuring current and former Poets Laureate.

An event with poet Nikki Finney at the Lexington Public Library’s Northside branch will be scheduled April 9.

Live performances and visual art from local hip hop artists are also taking place at different library branches.

The library is also showcasing historical exhibits throughout the month.

A full events calendar is available here.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.

Shepherd joined WEKU in June 2023 as a staff reporter. He most recently worked for West Virginia Public Broadcasting as General Assignment Reporter. In that role, he collected interviews and captured photos in the northern region of West Virginia. Shepherd holds a master’s degree in Digital Marketing Communication and a bachelor’s in music from West Virginia University.
WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content