The Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County has announced that Charles Yu, the author of "Interior Chinatown," will join NEA Big Read Chairman Ira Sukrungruang for a conversation at Knox Memorial Theater on March 23. This announcement was made in a press release dated March 6, 2025.
According to the library, on March 23 at 2:00 p.m., the event will feature a performance by the Jingwei Lion Dance Association, followed by a reading and discussion of "Interior Chinatown" by Yu. After a brief Q&A session, Yu will sign copies of his book in Veterans Hall. A community meal catered by Chef Nav will follow, supported by Friends of the Library. The program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required as tickets are limited.
The event is part of the library’s NEA Big Read initiative, with activities continuing through April 12. Registration closes on March 19 or once capacity is reached. Copies of "Interior Chinatown" will be available at the event, with additional giveaways at all library branches while supplies last. Patrons can also borrow copies in print or audiobook format with a library card.
Yu is an accomplished author with four books to his name, including "Interior Chinatown," which won the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction and was shortlisted for Le Prix Médicis étranger. It was also longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. According to his website, Yu has received the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 Award and has been nominated for two Writers Guild of America awards for his work on HBO's "Westworld."
The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County aims to provide resources that meet educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs within its community. The library serves all individuals by fostering learning and enriching lives through accessible services in various formats.
