Local Libraries LIT: Author Saeed Jones

Local Libraries LIT to feature award-winning writer Saeed Jones on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 7 p.m. This is the second virtual event in the new series offered by public libraries in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and the University of Iowa Libraries with support from The Tuesday Agency.

Saeed Jones, author of Prelude to Bruise, and memoir How We Fight for Our Lives and winner of the Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction, blends poetry and prose to share his story of growing up Black and gay in the American south. He recounts his fight to carve a place for himself within his family, his country and his own hopes. His poems engage themes of intimacy, race and power. A Stonewall Book Award, Barbara Gittings Literature Award winner and former contributor to BuzzFeed, Jones says he’s “obsessed with manhood as a brutal and artful performance. My mind always finds its way back to the crossroad where sex, race and power collide. Journeys, transformation as well as dashed attempts to transform fascinate me as well.”

Jones combines ferocity and wit in his one-of-a-kind writing style and is sure to challenge attendees to further conversations within themselves and the community.

“We are honored to collaborate on Local Libraries LIT with Coralville and Iowa City public libraries and the University of Iowa Libraries,” says Jennie Garner, director of the North Liberty Library. “Providing a platform and opportunity for community members to hear from essential voices such as that of author Saeed Jones carries forth the role of libraries as places where all individuals are welcomed and celebrated.”

The goal of Local Libraries LIT is to grow a thriving community which shines with diversity, equity, and inclusion. Open to the public. Reservations for a suggested donation can be made online.