Free Poetry Workshop at the Library

Celebrate poetic creativity in honor of National Poetry Month!

Grand Marais, MN, 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 6:00-7:30 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 a fee are 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 Ryan.Leng@alslib.info.  

In other news, the library will screen two films in April: first, Mayor Humphrey of Minneapolis on April 17, with discussion led by producer Mick Caouette, and second, Women Talking on April 19, with the Vio­lence Prevention Center leading discussion afterward. Both movies will start at 6:00 PM.