Art Spiegelman To Discuss Oft-Banned 'Maus' At Arlington Reads Event

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington Public Library is hosting author Art Spiegelman for an Arlington Reads event on Thursday at Kenmore Middle School, where the Pulitzer Prize winning author will discuss his graphic novel “Maus.”

The Sept. 21 event kicks off Arlington Public Library's "Banned Books Week" programming. "Maus" is an oft-banned book that recounts the Holocaust experiences of Spiegelman's father. In 2022, for example, a Tennessee school district banned “Maus” from its classrooms because it contained swear words.

Spiegelman is one of the headliners of Arlington Public Library’s new Arlington Reads program that focuses on authors of graphic novels.

Arlington Public Library Director Diane Kresh and Director of Human Services Anita Friedman will take part in the conversation with Spiegelman. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A.

Doors to Kenmore Middle School's Auditorium at 200 S Carlin Springs Road will open at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis until seating capacity is reached.

Signed books will be available for purchase courtesy of One More Page Books. Spiegelman will not be available for book signings after the program.

The public can RSVP to receive a reminder email for the event. The event will also be livestreamed and available as a recording for 30 days on Arlington County's Youtube channel.