Libraries across the province will share the joy of the written word with Islanders this April as they host events to mark the 16th annual National Poetry Month, says Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson.
“National poetry month gives people an excellent opportunity to become familiar with Island poets like Milton Acorn, John MacKenzie, Brent MacLaine, and our own Poet Laureate Dianne Hicks Morrow, and to gain an appreciation for the vital role they play in our province’s culture,” said Minister Henderson. “I encourage all Islanders to attend one of the events being held at some of our public libraries over the month of April and to share in the power of the written word.”
To celebrate, three public library locations across the province will host events over the course of the month which will be hosted by Poet Laureate Dianne Hicks Morrow.
“This is a great opportunity for people who may not consider themselves writers, or who have been a little shy about sharing their work, to come out and meet other people with a similar interest in poetry, and to ask questions about the craft,” said Ms. Hicks Morrow. “They will also have an opportunity to present their work at one of our open mic events. I encourage anyone with an interest in poetry to join us for one of the poetry month events.”
The poetry month events are as follows:
• Summerside Rotary Library open mic event – Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m.
• Confederation Centre Public Library poetry workshop – Thursday, April 17 at 6:45 p.m.
• Tyne Valley Public Library open mic event – Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
Established in Canada in April 1998 by the League of Canadian Poets, National Poetry Month brings together schools, publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries and poets across the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in Canada’s culture.