Austin, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas Press is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a free literary event at the Austin Central Library. The day-long celebration features author talks, book sales, and a proclamation from the Austin Mayor. Notable authors including Stephen Harrigan, Sarah Bird, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Jessica Hopper will be attending, making it a significant occasion for literary engagement in the Austin community. This event is a thank-you to the community for its support and highlights the press’s contributions to literature.
Austin, Texas – The University of Texas Press is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a free, day-long literary event at the Austin Central Library on Sunday, September 21. The celebration will commence at 10 am with a proclamation from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, declaring the day as “University of Texas Press Day.”
Casey Kittrell, Editor-in-Chief of UT Press, has indicated that the event is a thank-you to the community for its ongoing support. This special occasion features a lineup of author talks and conversations with notable UT Press authors throughout the day, emphasizing the theme of Texas storytelling and literary engagement.
Among the prominent authors attending the event are Stephen Harrigan, Sarah Bird, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Jessica Hopper. The event also presents an opportunity for attendees to purchase books from local independent bookstore First Light Books.
Event Agenda
- 10:30-11:15 am: Sarah Bird discusses photographs from her collection featuring small-town black rodeos.
- 12-12:45 pm: David Hillis and Asher Elbein discuss Texas’ natural diversity and wildlife preservation.
- 1:30-2:15 pm: Michael Hurd and Leonard Moore reflect on Black history and its connections to Texas football.
- 3-3:45 pm: Lisa Keefauver and Art Markman examine the psychology of grief.
- 4:15-5 pm: Toni Tipton-Martin and Adrian Liscombe discuss culinary history and legacy.
- 5:30-6:15 pm: Stephen Harrigan and Ross McCammon discuss Harrigan’s latest book of essays.
- 7-7:45 pm: Hanif Abdurraqib and Jessica Hopper discuss their careers and their work on the American Music Series.
Since its founding in 1950, the University of Texas Press has published more than 4,000 books and has become the largest publisher in Texas. Over the last two years, the press has garnered over 60 awards for its contributions to literature. It is recognized for its diverse range of genres, which include both academic and trade publications.
Some of the popular titles published by UT Press include “Yucatán” by David Sterling, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook, and “Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest” by Hanif Abdurraqib, which is a New York Times bestseller.
This anniversary event not only celebrates the press’s history but also fosters a sense of community and encourages literary participation among attendees in the Austin area.
Summary of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | University of Texas Press 75th Anniversary Celebration |
| Date | Sunday, September 21 |
| Location | Austin Central Library |
| Opening Time | 10 am |
| Key Authors Attending | Stephen Harrigan, Sarah Bird, Hanif Abdurraqib, Jessica Hopper |
| Notable Works | “Yucatán”, “Go Ahead in the Rain” |
FAQ
What is the date of the University of Texas Press 75th Anniversary celebration?
The event will take place on Sunday, September 21.
Where will the event be held?
The celebration will be held at the Austin Central Library.
What time does the event start?
The event will kick off at 10 am.
Who will be attending the event?
Notable authors attending include Stephen Harrigan, Sarah Bird, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Jessica Hopper.
What types of books does the University of Texas Press publish?
UT Press publishes a diverse range of genres, including academic and trade publications.
Can attendees purchase books at the event?
Yes, the event will provide opportunities to purchase books from local indie bookstore First Light Books.
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Additional Resources
- The Statesman
- Wikipedia: University of Texas Press
- The Austin Chronicle
- Google Search: UT Press 75th Anniversary
- Community Impact
- Google Scholar: University of Texas Press
- Austin CultureMap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas Press
- AOL News
- Google News: UT Press 75th Anniversary
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