This spring Lakewood Public Library and Wick Poetry Center will be presenting an interactive
poetry exhibit with a plethora of supporting programs focusing on
poetry and the immigrant experience. Here are a few highlights:
Exhibit ─ Traveling Stanzas: Immigrant Voices
Presented by The Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University
Main Library Second Floor Gallery
Lakewood Public Library and Wick Poetry Center present Traveling
Stanzas: Immigrant Voices, an interactive exhibit including creative
writing tools and activities. Acknowledging the unique experiences of
immigrants in our community, this public display engages a dialogue
through the intimate and inclusive voice of poetry. The exhibit is open
to visitors from March 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019, with supporting
programs throughout the spring and summer.
Poetry ContestSubmissions accepted between Monday, March 4, 2019 and Monday, April 22, 2019 at 9:00 p.m. To
submit a poem, visit the Traveling Stanzas exhibit and use the theme,
Immigrant Voices, to compose your work. Poems will be judged by local
poets. Winners and two runners up will be selected from the following
age groups: K-8 grade, 9-12 grade and over 18. The contest will
culminate with a poetry reading by the winners. Submissions accepted at any Library service desk or can be emailed to events@lakewoodpubliclibrary.org. Please include your name, contact information and age group.
Traveling Stanzas: Immigrant Voices Opening Gala
Featuring:
David Hassler, Director Wick Poetry Center; Katie Daley, Teaching
Artist Wick Poetry Center and a performance by Global Connections
Friday, March 8, 2019 music starts at 6:30 p.m., opening remarks begin at 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Grand Reading Room
We
invite you to celebrate the opening of Traveling Stanzas: Immigrant
Voices. David Hassler will speak about the history and impact of the
Traveling Stanzas exhibits, and Katie Daley will speak about leading
workshops in our community to create poetry featured in our exhibit. The
poetry created in these workshops is directly reflected in this public
display. There will also be a performance by Global Connections and a
poetry reading.
Poetry Workshops
Led by Leanne Hoppe
Thursdays: March 14, 2019; March 28, 2019; April 11, 2019 and April 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesdays: March 19, 2019 (18 and younger only); April 2, 2019 and April 16, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Second Floor Gallery
From
the Italian, stanza means a room—a place to pause. Indeed, Traveling
Stanzas offers individuals moments of pause, with which to reflect on
their lives, their city and a shared experience of their community.
Leanne Hoppe, local teacher, editor and translator will lead workshops
in the Traveling Stanzas Exhibit to give attendees a structured moment
to explore the interactive tools. Tuesday, March 19, 2019 is reserved for individuals 18 and under.
WordStage- Give Me Your Tired: Expressions of Immigration
Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium
Poet
Emma Lazarus wrote, “The New Colossus”. Its most iconic line reads,
“Give me your tired, your poor, / Your huddled masses yearning to
breathe free”. Join us for this performance featuring immigrant stories
through the poetic voice. The poems featured will come from community
members and influential poets. WordStage is a chamber music reader’s
theater dedicated to the presentation of works with special literary,
historical and musical merit.
Traveling Stanzas: Immigrant Voices Poetry Contest Reading
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium
The
Traveling Stanzas: Immigrant Voices Poetry contest will culminate in a
poetry reading featuring the winners and two runners up from each of the
three age categories. The winners will be selected by a panel of local
poets. Each submission is inspired by the Traveling Stanzas Exhibit,
exploring the theme of immigrant voices and reflecting on the impact of
immigration in our community. Join us to hear from the winners as well
as from a local poet.
Lakewood Public Library
