Celebrating Poetry

By Jenn Beckstead, Young Adult Librarian

April 4, 2007

Poems can be serious or funny, obscure or illuminating, romantic, pedantic, frantic, or reserved.  Poems can take many forms, and illicit many responses.   From Silverstein’s whimsical pieces, to Milton’s theology, to Keats’ romanticism, there is certainly a poet for every taste.

April is National Poetry month – a   time to celebrate the fun and creativity that poetry brings to our lives.  Natrona County Public Library has several events planned to help teens celebrate this genre.  The celebration begins on Tuesday, April 10 at 6pm in the Teen Zone with “Writer’s Slam.”

Teen writers are invited to share their writing, whether it is poetry or prose, with other teen writers.  The event was created as a way to blend two popular teen events, Writer’s Club and Poetry Slam, into one exciting evening.   Writers Slams encourage teens to enjoy and improve their writing skills, receive feedback from their peers, and practice for the next Poetry Slam.

Speaking of Poetry Slam, this popular event will take place on Tuesday, April 17 at 7pm at Metro Coffee Company.  The competition allows teens to showcase their poetry and performance talents, and win prizes for their creativity.  Teens excited to slam must register at the Teen Zone as space is limited. 

Performing is not the only way to participate in this exciting event.  Friends, family, and others interested in this celebration of poetry are encouraged to be part of the Poetry Slam audience.  First-time audience members may want to know that snapping, rather than clapping, is a sign of congratulations for the poets.

The poetic fun for teens concludes with a creative afternoon “In the Zone” on Tuesday, April 24 at 4pm.  Teens will create their own magnetic poetry which can be used to personalize lockers, refrigerators, or any metal surface.  

These magnets are created by recycling old newspapers, books, magazines, or anything with words that express feelings.  Teens can snip out their chosen words, glue them to a magnet, and create a new canvas for self-expression.   Teen events at the library are free and open to teens in grades 6 through 12.

Poetry month offers exciting possibilities for other age-groups as well.  This afternoon (April 4) at 4:00pm elementary-age students will have the opportunity to celebrate the work of Shel Silverstein, whose singular style has entertained children and adults alike since his first book was published in 1963. 

Your library’s selection of poetry ranges from classic to contemporary, including authors such as Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, E.E. Cummings, Roald Dahl and many more. 

For a special treat check out one of the Natrona County Young Authors anthologies to read poetic works by children and teens in Natrona County.  

Through April 15 a display by the library’s Second Street entrance can help each patron choose a favorite poet or type of poetry.  For more information on poetry month events, visit our website at www.natronacountylibrary.org.  To register for the poetry slam or find out about other teen events, call 577-READ, extension 101.

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