Delbrook Visiting Writers Series

Butler University | Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series

For more than 35 years, the Vivian S. Delbrook Visiting Writers Series has regularly hosted public readings and Q&A sessions with some of the most influential people in contemporary literature. Visiting authors such as Toni Morrison, Billy Collins, Kurt Vonnegut, Gwendolyn Brooks, Margaret Atwood, Allen Ginsberg, Sharon Olds, Amy Tan, and Colson Whitehead not only share their work with the Indianapolis community but also interact directly with undergraduate and graduate students in Butler’s English classes and MFA program.

Butler offers a 300-level English course that features the work of authors in the Visiting Writers Series. Students taking this class are invited to join English faculty in a private dinner with each writer when they visit campus, and have the opportunity to formally introduce the writers at their public readings.

The Visiting Writers Program is coordinated by the Department of English and offers 10–12 events each year, all of which are free and open to Butler students, faculty, and staff as well as the Indianapolis community, making the Butler University Visiting Writers Series one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country.

Spring 2024 Speakers

The Visiting Writers Series appreciates the generous support of the Vivian S. Delbrook Fund and the NEH Ayres Fund.

To make special arrangements for school groups, book clubs, and community organizations, call 317-940-9861.

All Visiting Writers Series events take place in Shelton Auditorium or Schrott Center for the Arts, both of which are located on Butler University’s campus. Shelton Auditorium is located at 1000 West 42nd St. on Butler University’s South Campus. This location offers free on-site surface parking in the lots off Haughey Street and West 42nd Street.

Driving directions from your location to Shelton Auditorium.

Map of South Campus with Shelton Auditorium and Parking Lot.

For accessibility information or to request disability-related accommodations, please click here.