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poetry

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Elizabeth Catlett, artwork with a boy and a girl and a red ball, and photo of Margaret
Angela B. Charles, March 21, 2023

In honor of World Poetry Day, I would like to bring attention to, of course, a poet, Margaret Walker but also a sculptor and artist, Elizabeth Catlett, and a book that features the two women’s creative styles—For My People.


Lynne Thompson reading potery at an event
Lynne Thompson, December 13, 2022

As we approach the 2022 holidays—and the many ways we all celebrate it—folks are wondering what to gift their poetry-loving family and friends. What follows is a (necessarily incomplete) list of poetry collections that have been published in the second half of this year that you should consider.


Sims Poetry Library from the outside
Catherine Sturgeon, April 25, 2022

It began with a man and a suitcase of poetry. Hiram Sims, professor and poet, started this journey by loaning books of poems to his students at the Community Literature Initiative’s (CLI) Poetry Publishing Class. One of the requirements for the class was to read a poetry book a week.


Youth Poet Laureate Jessica Kim
Lynne Thompson, April 11, 2022

At what age did you begin writing poetry: Were there poets who encouraged or inspired you in the early stages and if so, who and what encouragement or inspiration did they provide?


Collage of poetry books
Lynne Thompson, November 17, 2021

As I indicated in the November 4 episode of Poems on Air, there are a slew of new or forthcoming poetry collections that I’m excited to add to my reading table.


collage of poetry book covers
Lynne Thompson, May 18, 2021

One of the benefits of literature is that it allows the reader to empathize with the protagonists or—in the case of poets—with the themes and issues that concern them.


Suzanne Lummis at the Skirball Center, 5/6/2017 photo by Penelope Torribio
Michael C. Baradi, April 30, 2021

I used to be a Messenger Clerk at the Cahuenga Branch Library many years ago, still undecided about being a librarian.


Young person speaking with enthusiasm in front of his classroom
Mona Gilbert, April 27, 2021

There is power in poetry, as it can relay to others your feelings and what you care about. The world needs more young voices to use their words to bring unity. Here are some poetic selections to explore from a diverse group of voices.


Young girl reading a novel on lush green grass
Mona Gilbert, April 20, 2021

Poetry can be expressed in many ways. Although traditional poetry fills library shelves, so do novels written in verse. This unique style of storytelling encourages intentionality with every written word.


Kevin Young and his book African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song alongside Langston Hughes
Daniel Tures, February 01, 2021

African American History Month begins today; on February 1 we also celebrate the birthday of Langston Hughes, one of the most powerful voices in American poetry.


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