There will be soon be a poet-tree in Ameliasburgh. No, that’s not a typo – one of the trees outside of the Ameliasburgh Branch Library will be fitted with a poetry box to display a rotating selection of poems.

Thanks to library patron Sheila Stanley who suggested the idea to branch librarian Gisa Iannaci and Peter Molloy who built it.  The library branch, which is named the Al Purdy Library in recognition of the renowned poet, is the perfect home for the box.

Sometimes people think of poetry as something for academics or literary types, but anyone who chanted “one, two, buckle my shoe” or said a rhyme when jumping through a hopscotch course as a child knows the pleasures of a little rhyme or rhythm. This project is designed to bring poetry out of the library to be stumbled on and enjoyed by people who might not think of picking up a book of poems.

The project will be launched on Friday, April 19 when poet Phil Hall will be at the Ameliasburgh Branch Library at 11 a.m. for a program entitled “From the Library to the Cemetery.”  He will talk about his new book Vallejo’s Marrow and will read from his long poem about Al Purdy called An Oak Hunch. Weather and mobility factors permitting the group will also walk to Al Purdy’s grave in the Ameliasburgh Cemetery.  Thanks to the Al Purdy A-Frame for making the talk possible. The following day, Saturday April 20,  Phil will lead a poetry workshop at the Picton Branch Library for writers – visit peclibrary.org for more details and to register, or call (6130 476-5962. More author events as part of the County Reads Authors Festival will happen that weekend as well.

First Tuesday Muse will hold a poetry and spoken word open mic and coffee morning at the Ameliasburgh Branch on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m in celebration of April as National Poetry month. Writers are invited to come out and read their work or just join in on the audience. Participants get 5 minutes at the podium and all are welcome to this positive and welcoming event. The group held a similar event last year at the library and it was a warm and encouraging environment as people came together to share the written word.

If you’re inspired to pick up some poetry after these events, drop by any branch of the library and we’ll help you find something that suits your interests. You can search the library catalogue at peclibrary.org as well.