Banned Books Week
The Kalamazoo Public Library and the southwest Michigan branch of the American Civil Liberties Union will mark Banned Books Week on Friday, October 1, with a "read out" and art contest. Regional artists are invited to submit works inspired by five frequently challenged or banned books. Kevin King at KPL says books are usually challenged because some feel they aren't appropriate for young readers or deal with sensitive subjects like sexuality and religion. But King says few public libraries are willing to actually ban controversial books.
Eric Pott is on the regional board of directors for the ACLU. He says about 300 people attended last year's "read out" and celebration. Pott says even more people are expected to come this year, in part because of the $500 top prize for the winner of the art competition. It asks area artists to create works inspired by the books To Kill a Mockingbird, Twilight, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, and TTYL (text-speak for "talk to you later").
The deadline for submitting entries for the Banned Books Week Art Contest at the downtown Kalamazoo Public Library is Wednesday, September 29, at 9 p.m. Winners will be announced during the Banned Books Week event there on Friday, October 1, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Martial arts competition
Sun Hwan Chung is Grand Master at Chung's Black Belt Academy in Kalamazoo. He is also the tournament chairman for the International Martial Arts Open Championship in Kalamazoo on Saturday, September 25. The 21st Annual Michigan Cup begins at 8 a.m. at Hackett High School. Chung says the event draws students of Tae Kwon Do and other martial arts between the ages of seven and 70. He says it will include sparring and weapons demonstrations.
Other events
The stories of Russian elders are told in a new book by Kalamazoo author Marie Stoline. A reception for the author will be held at Kazoo Books on Parkview Avenue in Kalamazoo from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 24.
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre opens its production of the musical Godspell on Friday, September 24. The show runs through October 10.
The film Please Give will be screened at WMU's Little Theatre by the Kalamazoo Film Society Friday, September 24 through Sunday, September 26. Check the Society's Web page for show times.
The City of Portage will host the 22nd Annual Apple Fest on Saturday, September 25, between 2 and 6 p.m. at Schrier Park. Pony rides, hayrides, live music and a magic show are part of the event.
The Kingman Museum in Battle Creek offers free admission Saturday, September 25, for Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day. The Museum is located at 175 Limit Street.
Cars and motorcycles made before 1965 will be on show Sunday, September 26, at the Gilmore Car Museum near Hickory Corners. The Traditional Hot Rod and Motorcycle Show runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A group of southwest Michigan authors will read from their work on Monday, September 27, beginning at 7 p.m. in the downtown Kalamazoo Public Library. Diane Seuss, Elaine Seaman, Elizabeth Kerlikowske and Gail Martin are among the authors who plan to participate.
Eat Local, Kalamazoo will present a panel discussion on "Moving Toward Resilience: One Step At A Time" on Tuesday, September 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Portage District Library.
The Dhera Strauss documentary film Kitchen Conversations will be shown Tuesday, September 28, at 7p.m. in Dewing Hall at Kalamazoo College.
4 One World presents a concert by Funktion and an auction Thursday, September 30, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.