Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library launches Kickstarter campaign to relocate, expand
646 Massachusetts Ave. may seem like only an address, but to Julia Whitehead it carries so much more meaning. The Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library staff has its sights set on a new permanent home at that Downtown location.
Vonnegut’s literary and general impact spans decades, and his place in Hoosier history continues to grow stronger following the author’s death in 2007. Julia Whitehead sought to memorialize that impact five years ago when she founded the library on Senate Avenue.
On Monday, the museum created a Kickstarter campaign to begin raising money to further that goal. The online effort aims to raise at least $99,999 in donations. Overall the museum hopes to raise $750,000 to cover the costs of the move and expansion. In order to sign the lease at 646 Massachusetts Ave., the library must raise $750,000 by July.
The nonprofit also plans to change its name to The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library once a new building is secured. The library's current building on Senate Avenue is for sale, further prompting the need for a move.
The library celebrates Vonnegut and his many societal contributions, from his works as an author to his time serving during World War II to his dedication to pacifism. At the museum, these contributions translate into programs for veterans and veteran artists, school tours, discussions on banned books and, perhaps most notably, the creation and release of "So It Goes: The Literary Journal of the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library." Over 100,000 people have visited the library in the past five years. The library has two full-time and five part-time employees.
Born in Indianapolis in 1922, Vonnegut spent his formative years in the Circle City, attending Shortridge High School, where he wrote for the school newspaper. He went on to serve in the Air Force during World War II and was captured by German soldiers. Surviving the firebombing at Dresden, Vonnegut returned to the U.S. and began producing short stories before transitioning into a novelist. His most famous works include "Slaughterhouse-Five," "Cat's Cradle," "The Sirens of Titan" and "Player Piano."
The Kickstarter campaign will run until July 14. If all goes according to plan, the museum will reopen at its new location in the spring of 2017, 10 years after Vonnegut’s death. The Mass Ave. location, at 5,400 square feet, is four times the museum's existing space. An advertising agency is there now.
2017 will be a celebratory time for the library. According to the library's campaign announcement, library staff is partnering with Visit Indy and Mayor Joe Hogsett to celebrate 2017 as "the year of Vonnegut" in the city of Indianapolis.
When a janitor was Shortridge High School's hero
Chris Gahl, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Visit Indy, noted the impact that the library's move would have on the city. "Having this Indy-only collection on Mass Ave., one of our most popular cultural enclaves for visitors, would only enhance the ability to showcase this unique attraction and drive more visitors into its doors," he said.
The idea of raising $750,000 may seem like a daunting task. The museum now relies on about $240,000 in annual contributions and grants to cover much of its $371,000 in expenses, according to its 2014 federal tax forms.
Whitehead and her staff are confident that they will accomplish their goal. Even with the lack of a physical building when the library was originally founded seven years ago, Whitehead found other ways to operate with community venues, such as The Athenaeum, hosting events on the library's behalf.
"Vonnegut is a movement, not just some boring museum," Whitehead said. "I feel very comfortable that the city recognizes the value we bring. If we were not able to get the Mass Ave. building, I am sure we will land in a location that is good for us. Having said that, everything we’re doing is to secure that location. That’s our sole focus right now, and I believe we can do it." Whitehead said.
You can learn more about the campaign and donate here: kickstarter.com/projects/1949966329/a-permanent-home-for-kurt-vonneguts-legacy.
Retro Indy: Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007)