The Hawaii literary community and local advocates of free expression are rallying in solidarity with Salman Rushdie and will hold an outdoor event of readings from Rushdie’s acclaimed works on the steps of the Hawai‘i State Library. The public is invited to come and listen.

Organized by Maui novelist Alexander Maksik in association with PEN America (the free expression advocacy group of which Rushdie served as president), Hawaii Book and Music Festival, the Hawaii State Library, Hawaii Public Radio and University of Hawaii Better Tomorrow Speakers Series, the writers encourage the public to “Stand With Salman: Defend the Freedom to Write.”

Selections from Rushdie’s books and writings will be read by Hawaii-based authors including Kaui Hart Hemmings, Alexander Maksik, Tyler McMahon, Donald Carreira Ching, Brandon Jones, Don Wallace, Tom Gammarino, Jaimie Nagle, Nandi Odhiambo, and Stuart Coleman (list subject to change).