ALBION, Mich. – From Langston Hughes to Shakespeare to local writers, Albion College will host a number of events in celebration of National Poetry Month, this April.  All events are free and open to the public. 

On Tuesday, April 2, at 2 p.m. in Mudd Library Room 209, the Albion College Library celebrates National Poetry Month with an open poetry reading in honor of American poet Langston Hughes. “It’s part of a nationwide celebration -- groups across the country will be holding readings and events in honor of the centennial of Hughes’ birth,” says Marion Meilaender, Albion College librarian and coordinator of the event.  Students, faculty, staff and drop-in readers will read from Hughes’ work, and an audio clip of Hughes reading his “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” will also be played.

Also on Tuesday, April 2, Argentine poet Gladys Ilarregui will read from her Spanish and English works in the Albion College Library (FULL STORY).

The College’s 2002 Wilson Poet, Jim Daniels, will read at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the College’s Bobbitt Auditorium (FULL STORY).

The Library's third annual Poetry Fest takes place Tuesday, April 23, at 3 p.m. in Stockwell Library's Wendell Will Room.  While the Poetry Fest will celebrate Shakespeare’s 438th birthday on that day, Albion College and community members are encouraged to bring their own favorite poems, including original compositions, to read.  Poetry Fest will include door prizes and other surprise events.  “This is a chance for people to gather and enjoy listening to poetry together, having the experience of hearing poetry read aloud or sung,” explains Meilaender.  “It really goes right back to the roots of poetry in oral communication and the passing on of stories and emotions.”

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