Image: Grand Marais Public Library

From the Grand Marais Public Library - March 18, 2024

The Grand Marais Public Library will observe National Poetry Month by inviting people to workshop their own poems on Wednesday, April 3, from 6-7:30 PM. This workshop is for ages fourteen and up, at all skill levels.

Librarian Ryan Leng will facilitate the workshop. The first segment of the workshop will feature exercises aimed at developing poems, as well as time to revise and expand drafts. The second segment will include peer review about those drafts in order to promote new growth in poetic creativity. In order to participate fully, poets should bring drafts of poems and ideas for new poems.

Prior to his librarianship, Ryan Leng taught English for ten years to secondary students, including students in both AP English Literature and AP English Language, with success helping students find their voices not only for writing essays about poetry, but also for writing poetry of their own. Ryan understands how difficult poetry can be, as well as how much courage and vulnerability it takes to read aloud unfinished poems; consequently, he has designed this workshop to ensure that the learning environment is comfortable and respectful to all participants.

Neither registration nor fee is required. Attendees should bring a pen or pencil and paper. Non-alcoholic beverages with lids are welcome. For more details about the workshop, email Ryan at [email protected].

In other news, the library will screen two films in April: first,  on April 17, with discussion led by producer Mick Caouette, and second, Mayor Humphrey of MinneapolisWomen Talking on April 19, with the Violence Prevention Center leading discussion afterward. Both movies will start at 6 PM.