April Is National Poetry Month

With National Poetry Month in full swing, there are a number of opportunities locally to celebrate poetry:

The Alabama Writers Forum (http://www.writersforum.org/) “The Alabama Writers' Forum promotes and facilitates the practice of literary arts through its services to writers and the general public. With individual and corporate associates statewide, the Forum represents the diverse voices of today's writing talent. Its community-based programs reflect that commitment and support established, novice, and student writers.”

The Alabama State Poetry Society (http://alabamapoets.org/) “Our primary purpose is to promote poetry as a vital cultural medium,improve our own skills, share opportunities and support one another, and join with others who enjoy the written and spoken word to delight in good poetry of every form and persuasion.”

The Alabama Writers’ Conclave (http://www.alabamawritersconclave.org/) “one of the oldest continuing writers' organization in the United States. Writers, aspiring writers and supporters of the writing arts may join. Sharing information, developing ideas, honing skills, and receiving practical advice are hallmarks of the annual meeting. The Conclave is responsible for nominating, for the governor’s appointment, Alabama's Poet Laureate.”

The Birmingham Public Library hosts a number of opportunities for poets and those interested in poetry. Coming up this Saturday is WORD UP!, an annual poetry slam competition for students in grades 9 -12 in Jefferson County, will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 3:00 p.m. at the Central Library. ( More information at http://www.birmingham365.org/event/detail/441892581/WORD_UP_Annual_Poetry_Slam_Competition_for_High_School_Students).

 Also at the Birmingham Public Library is the monthly Bards and Brews. This event features a fun evening of music, beer and poetry. There is often an “open mic” component to this event where participants can read their own work. This one rotates to a different library branch each month, so check out the library website, or the Bards and Brews Facebook page for event information.

 

Another event at the library is an adult poetry workshop, free and open to the public, that meets twice a month in the first floor conference room of the downtown Central Library. Tina Mozelle Braziel facilitates the group. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in poetry, at whatever stage they may put themselves in: inquirer, beginner, or experienced writer. The group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

So take some time this month to celebrate poetry! I plan to have a few more posts throughout the month in celebration of poetry.

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