Through a collaboration between the Racine Public Library and Racine’s Java Vino wine and coffee shop, the Racine Public Library brings “Poetry Roundtables.” This new program invites the public for discussions of contemporary American poetry at Java Vino, once a month. The events are free and the setting will be conducive to a group of individuals with varied levels of experience with poetry. Each month will focus on a new contemporary American poet. Participants will read excerpts from a poet’s work together, analyze it, and discuss what significance it has in today’s society.
To supplement this program, the Racine Public Library’s internet website is providing a page with links pertaining to each author that include poetry, interviews and criticisms, among other resources.
This month we will focus on the works of Poet Ben Lerner and the event will be taking place on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH from 7-9pm. Photocopies of the poetry will be provided at the event, but it is recommended participants review some of the work in advance.
While Poetry Roundtable events are free, space is limited to 10 participants so we ask that those interested call the Racine Public Library at (262) 636-9217 to register in advance. In addition to the electronic materials that will be made available, the library will be purchasing books by the featured authors so patrons may check them out.
Java Vino is located at 424 Main St. in downtown Racine.
These events will be facilitated by Nick Demske, an employee of the Racine Public Library. Nick Demske is a poet living in Racine and working at the Racine Public Library. In 2006, he graduated in Creative Writing from Carthage College. The recipient of several poetry awards including the Carthage College Research and Creativity Award, First Prize in Centrique Magazine’s Bi-annual Literary Contest, and The Chapin-Tague Award for Poetry, Demske is a contributing editor for the online magazine, ExposeKenosha, and frequently reads at the weekly open mic events at 716: fine art gallery, in downtown Racine.
2 comments ↓
The first installment of Poetry Roundtables really exceeded my expectations and has me looking forward to our get togethers in the future. While the group was small (only four participants other than myself), the intimacy our numbers offered was very conducive to close readings of poetry and it made it easier for everyone to give plenty of input. Before the event, I hesitated mentally several times on whether or not I, as a facilitator, should begin a discussion group with the work of Ben Lerner—our first featured poet—whose work can at times be quite dense. However, after hearing all the profound insights and interpretations the small group brought to the table, I’m confident that no poetry is too difficult or experimental for me to introduce to the group.
Overall, I felt it was a great event in a great setting. I’d like to thank Java Vino wine and coffee shop for hosting the Roundtable and, also, the Racine Public Library for creating the group. And most of all, many thanks to the participants for making the event such a pleasure. I feel I have a new understanding of Ben Lerner’s work, thanks to sharing interpretations with the others, and I look forward to meeting again in December.
i’ve attended this poetry roundtable with mr. demske. it’s fantastic.
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