JACKSON HOLE, WYO – In light of recent sexual misconduct allegations against the author Junot Díaz, Teton County Library decided to cancel its scheduled Page-to-the-Podium event with the author. Diaz was to have appeared in August. The New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize winning American-Dominican author was accused this month of sexual misconduct by several women.
“This decision was made after thoughtful and deliberative conversations surrounding the damaging cycle of abuse and what form collective responsibility can take to end that cycle. The library remains committed to being a safe space for open dialogue and learning,” library reps explained in a prepared statement. “With the aim of continuing an important and urgent conversation around power structures and the intersecting issues of sexual abuse, sexism, and racial oppression, the library and the Community Safety Network are in the process of planning a community discussion with information forthcoming.”
There are no plans to replace the August installment of Page-to-the-Podium with an alternate guest speaker.
Other bookings of talented and provocative authors and speakers include US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith this Friday, May 25 at the Center for the Arts beginning at 7pm. Free tickets are available at the library. Smith will also teach a free writing workshop at the library (no registration required) on Saturday, May 26, from 9:30-11:00am.
