Lanier Library’s Literary Open Stage will be held Thursday, Feb. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the library. Writers are invited to bring original poetry and prose to the gathering. Names of those wishing to read are drawn throughout the evening. Ten writers are each given ten minutes during which to share their work during this informal gathering.

Tryon author Jeri Board will be this month’s honorary emcee, and Harry Goodheart will be the special guest reader. With the hosting of this event, the Lanier Library continues its own literary tradition of giving voice to writers as it has from its earliest days as an organization.

This event joins the roster of other literary and artistic events sponsored by the library including the Sidney Lanier Poetry Competition, now accepting submissions, as well as monthly Brown Bag Lunch and Thirsty for Learning Thursday programs and occasional Sunday salons.

The Open Stage, held on the third Thursday of each month, is free and open to all, including those who just wish to be audience members without reading themselves.

For more information on this and other events, on submission to the poetry competition or on becoming a member of the library, visit lanierlib.org or call 828-859-9535.

-Submitted by Gina Malone