Library celebrates national poetry month

In recognition of National Poetry Month in April, the Farmington Public Library will host the “Favorite Poem Project” at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13. The event will begin with local poets who will read two of their favorite poems, and then the audience may participate by reading their favorites.

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. The “Favorite Poem Project” was created by Robert Pinsky, the 39th Poet Laureate of the United States, shortly after the Library of Congress appointed him to the post in 1997.  It was created as a way to celebrate, document and encourage poetry’s role in Americans’ lives.

The Farmington Public Library’s “Favorite Poem Project” will feature local poets Esther Belin, V. J. Yazzie, Gloria Emerson and Kimberly Mathes. They will begin the evening by reading favorite poems – of their own composing, and by other poets.  Audience members may then step up to the mic to read their own favorites, whether self-composed or written by poets they admire.  Those wishing to read must register in advance on the library’s online events calendar at www.infoway.org. Space is limited to 25 readers, who will each have a five-minute time limit. Registration for general attendees -  those wishing to listen to the poetry reading – is not required.

For more information, and to register to read a favorite poem, please go to www.infoway.org and click on the events calendar.