The Lanier Library is named for 19th century Southern poet Sidney Lanier, so it is not unexpected to find a month’s worth of poetry-themed events at the library during April’s National Poetry Month.

April 1 marks the beginning of National Poetry Month, and on Thursday at 7 p.m., the quarterly Literary Open Stage will hold its third annual “Read Your Favorite Poem” event at the library.

No original works this night, just one poem you love (and perhaps a bit about why it is a favorite).  Or come to listen, enjoy the wine and cheese refreshments, and celebrate why Carl Sandburg defined poetry as “an echo, asking a shadow to dance.”

The month continues with “Pure Poetry II: Lanier Library Prize-Winning Poets,” Tuesday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. Past winners of the library’s Sidney Lanier Poetry Competition will read their poems as part of TFAC’s Stage Door series, where the audience and performers share the main stage.

Featured poets are: Karen Luke Jackson, Monica Jones, Gina Malone, Bob McCall, Nancy Pemberton, Lee Stockdale and Lynne Tanner.

The conclusion to the month’s events is the announcement of and reception for the winners of this year’s Sidney Lanier Poetry Competition on Saturday, April 28, at 4 p.m. at the library.

As previously announced, the competition that had been regional for the past nine years was taken to the national level for this year’s 10th anniversary. A record number of entries were submitted this year, from around the globe.

A reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres will follow the ceremony.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, and to register for the workshops, visit our website at thelanierlibrary.org, or stop in at the library, 72 Chestnut St., Tryon.

– Submitted by

Clare O’Sheel