Engaged Reading series opens with ‘On Freedom’ on Sept. 11

LAWRENCE – In 2025-2026, a collaborative series that features a range of topical texts returns at the University of Kansas, beginning with an event Sept. 11. 

Engaged Reading offers a platform for idea exchange across experiences and knowledge. Each session features conversation facilitators whose research and work span academic disciplines and broader systems of knowledge to promote learning and inquiry across groups at the University of Kansas. 

Inspired by the expansive reach of KU Reads, and curated with goals of generous and generative conversation, this series will feature excerpts and texts that offer expanded perspectives on contemporary society in the U.S.  

“Last year, we were able to pilot this series as a way to ensure that without a KU Common Book, we had opportunities to come together around a range of topics and consider the ways in which our active reading in community can inspire new ways of thinking and inspire connections across individuals,” said Emily Ryan, director of The Commons. “This year, we are eager to continue to host this series as a complement to the KU Reads program, as a regular opportunity to be exposed to ideas and writers whose ideas lend wisdom to our current moment, with guided facilitation.” 

“On Freedom”

The first event is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Spencer Museum of Art and will feature the book “On Freedom,” by Maggie Nelson. Discussion leaders Shannon Stewart, assistant professor of dance, and Maggie Unverzagt Goddard, assistant professor of museum studies, will facilitate conversation about the text and its relevance in today’s world. Attendees will have a chance to consider the role of visual and performing arts in conceptualizations of “freedom” as well as to explore the ways in which the curation and presentation of art affect the ways in which we make and assign meaning. 

“The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year”

The second event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and will feature the book “The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year,” by Margaret Renkl, who will give the Kenneth Spencer Lecture, hosted by The Commons. This event, which is co-sponsored by the University Honors Program, will take place in Nunemaker Center. Discussion leaders for the event include Emily Bougher, honors student, and Amanda Schlumpberger, community engagement librarian and researcher.  

KU Libraries has supplied 20 copies of each book in the series to the first registrants. To claim your spot at either event, email thecommons@ku.edu.  

Engaged Reading events are supported by The Commons, the KU Libraries, Hall Center for the Humanities, the Spencer Museum of Art and the Institute for Policy & Social Research.