For Ibur, the evening prior to Margaret Atwood’s award ceremony, in 2017, was especially memorable. Waide and Ibur each shared moments that stand out from their years of interacting with such luminaries. Louis Public Radio Ted Ibur is the executive director of the St. “When I was driving back from the airport, he said, ‘You know, I don’t travel anymore, but when I looked at that list and I saw all the writers that were on there … I wanted to be a part of that list,’” Ibur recalled on Tuesday’s show.Įvie Hemphill / St. That list has a way of impressing potential awardees as well, Ibur told host Sarah Fenske. … It’s like a who’s who of amazing writers in the 20th and the 21st century.” And the reality is that the list of recipients really speaks for itself. “When I became the executive director of the literary program, my task was to really put this more on the national map,” Ibur said, “as well as the local and regional map - to really tout it as one of the top literary awards in the country. Connections between the award program and campus programming have continued to grow, as has the award’s reputation. Louis community to take part in the award is central to its continuing mission. Louis Literary Award Programs, said the opportunity for the broader St. “And the two years that there was a charge for it, I think it was like $2, and $1 for students.”Įdward Ibur, executive director of the St. “Except for two years that I’ve been able to find, the literary award event is free, and it’s always been open to the public,” Waide said. It will be held at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Thursday evening (with virtual access as well).īut despite its well-known guests (and lofty environs), the event has remained determinedly accessible. Louis Literary Award recipient Zadie Smith. And while the early award ceremonies were held in the library itself, the event now typically takes place in a much larger venue, as with this week’s honoring 2021 St. Since 1967, SLU’s award has regularly brought celebrated writers to town. … They’re going to give that to a famous author this weekend.’” “And they said, ‘Oh, the Library Associates - they’re getting ready for the St. “I asked one of my colleagues, ‘What is this?’” Waide recalled to St. Louis Literary Award." It includes reflections on the annual program's evolution as well as posters, event photos and other highlights from the celebrations with each author. Louis University Libraries SLU's archivist emeritus, John Waide, last year published a book titled "The History of the St.