LITERATURE MATTERS: A SALEM LITFEST EVENT (WINTER 2025)

Known for its diverse programming, Salem’s literary festival brings together acclaimed authors, emerging talents, and a broad range of genres. Left: The Salem Athenaeum on Essex Street, founded in 1810, is one of the oldest membership libraries in the US. Photo: Wikipedia 
 

The LitFest normally takes place in September. No surprise there. The city is a popular destination for visitors, attracting over one million tourists in a single fall season alone, with the majority coming in September or October. That’s largely due to events like the Haunted Happenings, which has undoubtedly helped to make Salem’s LitFest a success.


A special event was held at the Salem Athenaeum on 21 November when the LitFest hosted author Michael Ansara in conver sation with Drew Darien from Salem State University. They discussed Ansara’s latest work, published in July 2025.  
 

The book is about Ansara’s life campaigning on the front lines during the Civil Rights Movement and the war in Vietnam. It’s been described as taking the reader into the heady days of the 1960s and 1970s activism, chronicling the hopes and strategies of the young people who created the movements that rocked the country. The Hard Work of Hope details their successes as well as their mistakes, and explores issues that remain urgent. How does a movement build sup port when large parts of the country are opposed to its goals? How do you connect with people who disagree with you? How can we make progress on the unfinished business of the hard work of hope? ‘His lessons remain relevant as we navigate today,’ suggest Salem’s LitFest organisers. 

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