MOUNT VERNON — The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County and the Office for Community Partnerships celebrates acclaimed writer David H. Lynn this October with a book giveaway and author event honoring Lynn’s work.
Editor Emeritus of the Kenyon Review, Lynn was selected as the 2021 recipient of the Kenyon Review Lifetime Award for Literary Achievement, and this auspicious event prompted the Library to recognize his contributions to the Knox County community and his significant contributions to American Literature.
On Thursday, Oct. 21, the Library hosts a reading and author talk with David Lynn at 5 p.m. in Veterans Hall at the Knox Memorial Theater, 112 E. High Street, Mount Vernon.*
Lynn will read from his 2019 short story collection, Children of God and join Library Director John Chidester in conversation about his life in arts and letters. Chidester states that “David is a rare blend of editorial excellence, literary craftsmanship, and critical acumen. He’s a community culture hero whose influence has reached far and wide … his leadership at the Review included many valuable collaborations with the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County that brought the wonders of literary enjoyment to the entire community.”
The Library also sponsored a book giveaway, providing free copies of Children of God. The book is available at all Library branches, the Kenyon College Bookstore, and Paragraphs Bookstore, while supplies last.
David H. Lynn served as Editor-in-Chief of the Kenyon Review from 1994-2020. Widely regarded as a master of the ambiguous ending, David Lynn received a 2016 O. Henry Award for the short story, “Divergence,” the first story in Children of God. He is the author of four books, and Glimmer Train Short Story Prize 2015, the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award Finalist and the Ohioana Library Association Award for Editorial Excellence. His stories and essays have appeared in magazines and journals in America, England, India and Australia.
All Library events are free and open to the public. COVID 19 protocols will be strictly observed at this event. Masks are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended.
Attendees should note that Veterans Hall is fully ADA accessible, and ample street parking is available. For more information, visit the Library’s website at www.knox.net. For reservations, please email knoxwrites1@gmail.com or call (740) 392-BOOK extension 259.
*Please note that the venue for this event has changed; it will be held in Veterans Hall at the Knox Memorial Theater, 112 E. High Street, Mount Vernon.
