Happy World Poetry Day! Held every year on 21st March, World Poetry Day celebrates ‘one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity.’ We celebrate poetry as an art form that speaks to the individual and collective experience—both the particulars of a person’s life, language, background, culture, and worldview, as well as a shared humanity. World Poetry Day aims to support linguistic diversity, promote a dialogue between poetry and the other arts, and assert the importance and relevance of poetry in our modern world.
We’re big fans of the poetic form here at the library and are excited to have organised a number of wonderful activities for you all to celebrate.
On Friday 20 March at 6pm former Parisian showgirl Margaret Austin returns to the city of her birth for an evening of poetry inspired by her experiences in Amsterdam, Athens and Paris.
“Poetry is a window onto the breath-taking diversity of humanity,” so it is fitting that on Saturday 21 March at 2:30pm, to celebrate both World Poetry Day and Race Relations Day (yes both occurring on the same day, 21 March), longtime favourite at the library, award winning poet Leonel Alvarado will lead a community Open Mic. Bring along an original or favourite poem to share, all languages are encouraged.
Leonel will also be taking a writing workshop on Sunday 22 March at 10:30am – 12:30pm
Whether you’re a seasoned poet or simply an admirer of verse, join us to participate in this celebration of creativity and expression to honour the art of poetry and its profound impact on cultures around the globe.
Everyone welcome!
