Taking Poetry to the Street

Thomas J. Woody, sociology reference librarian at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, has been serving the community with the latest and most informative information for more than 15 years. He will be seen dashing through the crowd as stage manager for "Taking Poetry to the Streets." He has been working diligently for the past several months to deliver a superb festival. He says: Don't hesitate to say "hello!"

National Poetry Month, inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets, brings together poets and other literati around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. A number of organizations participate through poetry readings, festivals, book displays, workshops and other events.

To help celebrate National Poetry Month, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is holding a poetry celebration titled "Taking Poetry to the Street," on Saturday, April 3. Our library's celebration will include a free, block-long street festival of family fun and activities for all ages.

A carnival-like atmosphere is our aim, with various tables and stages set up for performing and listening to poetry — some for children, some for teens and some for adults, along with some readings in Chinese and Spanish. Books will be given away and sold, and there will be food on sale.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Kojo Nnamdi, host of "The Kojo Nnamdi Show" on WAMU, 88.5 FM. Josephine Reed, who hosts "On the Margin" on WPFW 89.3, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. For toddlers and other small children, special areas will be set up called "Little Rhymes," with children's librarians providing poetry activities. Mother Goose will be on hand reciting poetry, as she delivers her basket of free poetry books. And circles of poetry will be available for readers of all ages.

For youth ages 12 and older, WritersCorps Executive Director Kenny Carroll will be conducting poetry workshops and poetry slams. Roving reciters and Elizabethan-dressed nobles will be quoting Shakespeare, while other poets perform at booths and tables. You'll get all this and more while enjoying soothing tunes!

Other well-known personalities will include DJ Renegade, Rapper Supreme; members of the City Council; Dolores Kendrick, D.C.'s poet laureate; and E. Ethelbert Miller, noted author and Howard University professor.

So come one and come all as we bring poetry to the citizens in an unusual manner. Help us to reveal the pleasure of poetry for the many, rather than for a few, by enjoying a festive celebration while having a great time. Bring your favorite poem to recite for competition or fun! Or just take away a few that you have learned. If nothing else, stop by to say "hello" to me, your new favorite librarian.

"Taking Poetry to the Street," a D.C. Public Library Celebration of Poetry, will be held on Saturday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Memorial Library. All street activities will take place in front of the library at 901 G St. NW. For further information, call 727-1281. §