Patrons of all ages can meet and greet poets, listen to poems, attend a poetry workshop or get a poem for their pocket.
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month has become the largest literary celebration in the world, according to the Academy, with tens of millions of readers, students, teachers, librarians and — of course — poets, marking the importance of poetry in our lives.
The library starts things off with Poets of Kansas, a combined talk and workshop, in the meeting room 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6. In an informal atmosphere, Dennis Etzel Jr. will explore the work of eight contemporary poets inspired by their Kansas surroundings, both urban and rural.
Participants will reflect on their own experiences as inspiration and leave with ideas for a poem, if not a finished poem, Etzel says.
Required reservations can be made by calling (620) 365-3262.
Etzel, a Topeka poet, teaches at Washburn University. His book “My Secret Wars of 1984,” was selected by the Kansas City Star as Best Poetry Book of 2015. “Fast-Food Sonnets” was a 2017 Notables Book selected by the State Library of Kansas.
Poets of Kansas is made possible by Humanities Kansas and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Poet Dave Malone, a native Kansan, will be in the main reading room from 4 to 6 p.m. April 12 for conversation and informal readings of his work.
His seventh and latest book, “Tornado Drill,” highlights rural and small-town life.
Poems for Teens features forensics students from Iola High School at 6 p.m. April 21 in the meeting room. They will interpret selected poems for young adults in a casual atmosphere. Refreshments will be served.
Poem for Your Pocket Day returns April 28. Traditional poems with upbeat themes will be distributed at the library and various Iola businesses.
Poems are provided by the American Academy of Poets, which initiated the custom in 2002. The library introduced Poem for Your Pocket in Iola last year, distributing 600 poems at 16 different locations.
LIBRARY CALENDAR
Monday, April 3: Chess Club with Anna Mitchell at 6 p.m.; In Stitches crochet with Jen Tarter at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4 at 5 p.m.: Spring Play Time for families and toddlers, with take-home snack
