×

Off the Shelf: Celebrate Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month and it’s not too late to celebrate.

If you’re looking to join a book group, all are invited to the library’s Poetry Reading Group. Participants should be prepared to read aloud and discuss at least two poems. Original work or work by others is welcome. They meet on the second Monday of the month, the next one is slated for May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fred W. Johnson Founders Room upstairs at the library.

There’s always poetry waiting to be browsed in the 800 section, specifically starting at the 811s with American poets and are followed by English, German, French, etc. That’s the beauty of the Dewey Decimal System! There’s always a few gems to be found.

A new book we have on the non-fiction new shelf is “Shout” by Laurie Halse Anderson. Anderson wrote “Speak” over twenty years ago and she is known to write and advocate for survivors of sexual assault. “Shout” is a poetic memoir written in free verse that draws you in. The second part of the memoir is much better than the first, full of powerful prose, some rage-filled, kind, and with an appeal for compassion.

If you’re looking for sun and flowers, the author of “milk and honey”, Rupi Kaur has a newer set of poems titled “the sun and her flowers”. The collection is divided into the sections of flowers: wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. It illustrates a journey of love and life, growth and healing, roots, and finding your place.

And just in time for graduation season, Jason Reynolds’ “For Every One” is for everyone and for every one dream. This one was originally performed at the Kennedy Center for an unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. It’s a poetic tribute to all the dreamers of the world and the drive and passion to persevere in trials and tribulations. It’s a great gift for a young person in your life.

Next time you’re in the library, browse the 811s and be surprised by what you find! We look forward, as always, to seeing you in the library!

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today