Poets and scholars gather to examine the work of Laura (Riding) Jackson (1901-1991). A prolific poet who published her Collected Poems at age 37 and renounced poetry one year later, Laura (Riding) Jackson continued to explore the relationship between truth and language in such prose works as Rational Meaning: A New Foundation for the Definition of Words.

This comprehensive weekend-long seminar prepares participants to bring this highly successful program model to their own libraries. The 2004 Institute will cover a wide range of nuts-and-bolts information about producing vibrant poetry programs, building enriched collections and engaging enthusiastic audiences through effective community outreach. Participants will gain experience listening to, discussing and even writing poetry. We guarantee that no one will leave uninspired!

Sampling the vast American Poetry Archives (1954-present) housed at the Poetry Center at San Francisco State University, poet Myung Mi Kim presents ". . .in a manner of listening. . . ,” using a range of recordings to demonstrate the use of sound as a compositional element in the work of a number of poets. Poet and painter Basil King will play selections from the Poetry Center’s 1969 recording of Paul Blackburn and discuss the work of this central figure of the New York poetry scene of the 1950’s and 60’s.

Poetry, our natural world, and entertainment meet with fantastic results. Join Wildlife Theater as they perform really wild wildlife poetry.

Part of an international conference on literature by women of African ancestry (October 12-16) at New York University, this event features writers from around the world reading their work and discussing globalization’s impact on creative process and freedom. With Opal Palmer Adisa, Angela Jackson, Jackie Kay, Rosamond King, Jully Makini, Nancy Morejon and Pearl Eintou Springer.

Poet Frank Bidart speaks about the poetry of Robert Lowell (1917-1977). Formalist virtuoso, autobiographical innovator and political conscience, Robert Lowell is considered one of the greatest English-language poets of his time.

Poetry, our natural world, and entertainment meet with fantastic results. Join Wildlife Theater as they perform really wild wildlife poetry.

"An event that may make you fall in love with New York city all over again." —Time Out New York

Join Sandra Alcosser, Galway Kinnell, Tracie Morris, Marie Ponsot, and others as we celebrate poetry and New York City. The Walk features poetry readings in Manhattan, on the Brooklyn Bridge, and at Brooklyn's Fulton Ferry Landing. The evening concludes with a festive dinner to benefit Poets House.

Clare Cavanagh discusses Polish poets Wislawa Szymborska, Adam Zagajewski and Czeslaw Milosz, in a tribute to the art of translation and the memory of Katharine Washburn, co-editor of the World Poetry anthology and acclaimed translator.