3 upcoming events with the ball state university libraries tag
2 past events with this tagFeb 11, 2026
Wednesday
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Indiana Poet Laureate Talk and Poetry
6pm to 7:30pm @
Bracken Library, Ball State University
Room 104
1100 N McKinley Ave, Muncie, IN 47306
Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler to Showcase "Indiana Chitlin Circuit" and New Poetic Forms at Ball State University Libraries.
Ball State University Libraries and the Creative Writing program will host a unique evening of literary performance and innovation featuring Indiana Poet Laureate Curtis L. Crisler. The event, which is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the local Muncie community, will take place in Bracken Library, Room 104 at 6:00 p.m.
The evening will highlight Crisler’s significant contribution to the literary world: the Indiana Chitlin Circuit and the sonastic poetry form- a form of poetry pioneered by Crisler. Joining Crisler for the performance will be distinguished faculty from Ball State’s Creative Writing program.
The Indiana Chitlin Circuit is inspired by the historical network of venues that supported Black entertainers during the Jim Crow era. Crisler’s "Indiana Chitlin Circuit" transforms history into a high-energy, collaborative performance.
During the event, Crisler will share a single microphone with Katy Didden, Associate Professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Ball State University, and Brian Morrison, Associate Teaching Professor of English at Ball State University, in a "magical round-robin." Unlike a traditional reading, the poets do not choose their pieces in advance; instead, they respond in real-time to the work read by the person before them. This 20-minute improvisational session captures the "pride and verve" of the historical circuit, creating an atmosphere of spontaneous artistic excitement.
Curtis L. Crisler, born and raised in Gary, Indiana, is currently serving his second term as the Indiana Poet Laureate. He is a Professor of English at Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) and a celebrated activist for literacy.
"We are thrilled to welcome Professor Crisler to campus," says Nancy Abashian, Dean of Ball State University Libraries. "His work bridges the gap between Indiana’s rich history and the future of poetic form. This is a rare opportunity for our community to witness the 'soulful things' Crisler creates in a live, collaborative setting."
For more information about the event, please contact Amy Petts, Associate Dean for Strategic Engagement and Learning at Ball State University Libraries. For more information about Curtis L. Crisler, visit www.poetcrisler.com.
Parking on campus is available for free after 5:00 p.m. in yellow lots on weekdays. Visit here for more parking information.
Feb 19, 2026
Thursday
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Virtual Lunch and Learn: Effectiveness of Skill Strategies for Children with Autism
12pm to 1pm @
Virtual Event
Ball State applied behavior analysis graduate student Jayda Peoples will present her research on the effectiveness of using video modeling to increase vocational and vocal skills in children with autism. She will discuss how these strategies teach independence, help skill generalization, and provide engaging resources for children with autism in school settings and their community.
This event is a part of the University Libraries' Virtual Lunch and Learn Series and is free and open to the public.
Feb 26, 2026
Thursday
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Women of Whitely: At the Heart of Muncie’s Black History
6pm @
Shaffer Chapel Museum
1501 E Highland Ave, Muncie, IN 47303
Join us at the Shaffer Chapel Museum in Muncie for a special Black History Month presentation celebrating the legacy of women from Muncie’s historic Whitely neighborhood. A panel of local historians from Ball State University Libraries, Delaware County Historical Society, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, and Muncie Public Library will highlight the stories of educators, activists, entrepreneurs, faith leaders, and community builders whose contributions helped shape Whitely and beyond. Through photographs and archival materials, the panel will explore the remarkable achievements of these women and their lasting impact on Muncie’s cultural, civic, and social landscape.
This free public program invites the community to honor the women of Whitely’s past, uplift its trailblazers, and reflect on the ongoing work inspired by their lives.
Panelists:
Melissa Gentry, Supervisor, Map Collection, Ball State University Libraries
Sara McKinley, Carnegie Library Manager and Archivist, Muncie Public Library
Susan Smith, Archivist, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
Karen Vincent, Executive Director, Delaware County Historical Society and Delaware County Historian
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Women of Whitely: At the Heart of Muncie’s Black History
6pm @
Shaffer Chapel Museum
1501 E Highland Ave, Muncie, IN 47303
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Virtual Lunch and Learn: Effectiveness of Skill Strategies for Children with Autism
12pm to 1pm @
Virtual Event
