Illinois Libraries Presents: Babel On with R.F. Kuang

Tue, 19 May, 2026 at 07:00 pm UTC-05:00

205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701 | Bloomington

Bloomington Public Library, Illinois
Publisher/HostBloomington Public Library, Illinois
Illinois Libraries Presents: Babel On with R.F. Kuang
Advertisement
Illinois Libraries Presents: Babel On with R.F. Kuang
--- Tuesday, May 19
--- 7pm; Online via Zoom
--- Registration required
R.F. Kuang’s genre-bending fiction broaches ordinarily serious topics from a satirical and fantastical perspective. Academic yet approachable, Kuang’s work combines history, magic, and classical literary tradition to render powerful critiques of academia, the publishing industry, and even contemporary popular culture.
Her most recent novel, “Katabasis”, follows two graduate students as they descend into hell after the death of their professor. Kuang’s other bestselling titles include “Yellowface”, “Babel”, and “The Poppy War” trilogy.
Kelly Jensen, a writer who has compiled such anthologies as “Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World and (Don’t) Call Me Crazy”, will be joining Kuang in conversation.
Participants will need to register to receive the link to the conversation. Register online at bit.ly/ILPKuang. Registration for this event will close at 5pm on Tuesday, May 19. Late registrations will be processed after the live event, allowing access to the event recording.
Questions about this program can be emailed to Marcie at [email protected].
---
This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of the Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). ILP is committed to inclusion and accessibility. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Closed Captioning are provided for all events by default—no special request needed. If a patron needs accommodations not listed, the member library should email [email protected].
Advertisement

Event Venue

205 E Olive St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

Tickets

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Bloomington

"Annie" Auditions @ CPT
Mon, 18 May at 07:00 pm "Annie" Auditions @ CPT

201 Robinhood Ln, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

Free weekly Tuesday night social dance
Tue, 19 May at 06:45 pm Free weekly Tuesday night social dance

1049 JC Pkwy, Bloomington, IL 61705-5023, United States

Breakfast for Veterans & Active Military: 5\/20
Wed, 20 May at 06:00 am Breakfast for Veterans & Active Military: 5/20

1403 N Veterans Pkwy, Bloomington, IL 61704

TBD at Bloomington Bison - ECHL Western Conference Finals (Home Game 2)
Wed, 20 May at 08:30 am TBD at Bloomington Bison - ECHL Western Conference Finals (Home Game 2)

Grossinger Motors Arena

Shut The Flock Off Public Meeting
Wed, 20 May at 06:30 pm Shut The Flock Off Public Meeting

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal

Ride of Silence
Wed, 20 May at 06:45 pm Ride of Silence

McLean County Museum of History

Lead like a Girl - Bloomington
Thu, 21 May at 05:00 pm Lead like a Girl - Bloomington

Jack Lewis Jewelers

Downtown Bloomington Architecture Tour- SOLD OUT
Thu, 21 May at 05:30 pm Downtown Bloomington Architecture Tour- SOLD OUT

200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL, United States, Illinois 61701

Bloomington is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Bloomington Events