April is National Poetry Month. To celebrate, the Hamilton East Public Library (Fishers) will host Indiana Poet Laureate Adrian Matejka at 1 p.m. April 28.
“We try to celebrate National Poetry Month every year at the library, but this is the biggest so far,” Adult Services Manager Kirsten Edwards said. “He’s going to start by talking about his poetry and doing a reading from his newest book. Then he’s going to do a Q&A with the audience and expand on what he’s discussed.”
The library will serve light refreshments after a meet-and-greet with Matejka, who will also do a book signing for guests.
“They will have a chance to chat with him,” Edwards said. “It’s geared toward adults and teens.”
The library also will hold a poetry contest April 1-15.
“Adults and teens can submit their own poetry,” Edwards said. “The criteria are no less than three lines and no more than one page of typed text. The public can vote on their favorite poems on our Facebook page and in the library.”
Voting will be April 16-25. The winner will be announced before Matejka’s visit.
“He has been nominated for the Pulitzer prize in poetry, and he’s been nominated for the National Book Award,” Edwards said. “It’s the first time we’ve hosted a poet and the first time we’ve hosted a poet laureate. We’re trying to get these events going at least once a year.”
The free event is made possible by the Indiana Humanities Novel Conversations program. The library also will host a discussion of Matejka’s book at 7 p.m. April 12. For more, visit hepl.lib.in.us. To submit poetry, email [email protected].
