WWU Libraries to host April 13 poetry reading in honor of National Poetry Month

Western Washington University Libraries will host a live poetry reading in celebration of National Poetry Month on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the library Reading Room (Wilson 4th Floor Central).

This event is free and open to the public. 

“Poetry in the Library” will feature original creative work written and read by student employees from the Hacherl Research & Writing Studio, and by graduate students from Western Washington University’s MFA in Creative Writing Program. The event will culminate with Assistant Head of the Hacherl Research & Writing Studio, Dayna Patterson, reading from her recently published MFA thesis, O Lady, Speak Again. 

The live reading will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to browse, purchase, or borrow poetry books from tables hosted by Western Libraries and Western’s Associated Students Bookstore. Visitors to the library can also stop by a special Poetry Month display on view in the Haggard building featuring a selection of poetry books and this year’s National Poetry Month poster, located in the display case near the circulation desk in Haggard 2 beginning April 1.  

Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April of 1996, National Poetry Month celebrates the important role of poets and poetry in American culture every year throughout the month of April with a variety of programs, events, and a specially commissioned poster that changes annually. The 2023 poster was designed by Marc Brown, creator of the popular Arthur book and PBS television series. The artwork incorporates an excerpted line from the poem “Carrying” by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. 

For more information about this event or to request disability accommodations, please contact Dayna Patterson, (360) 650-3678, Dayna.Patterson@wwu.edu.