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The Free Library of Philadelphia Celebrated 30 Years of Monday Poets Series
PHILADELPHIA – Today, the Free Library of Philadelphia celebrated the 30th anniversary of Monday Poets, the Literature Department’s longest-running program for adults that inspires and connects poets and community members across the city.
“For 30 years, the Free Library has celebrated not only the rich tradition of poetry in Philadelphia but the incredible poets who have shared their words and wisdom with us,” said Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia. “We look forward to many more years of honoring poetry and its profound impact on our lives.”
This year’s anniversary theme, Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah), a Twi word from the Akan Tribe of Ghana, embodies the idea that to move forward, one must "go back and get it." In this spirit, each monthly event from September 2024 to April 2025 will celebrate a past Monday Poet and introduce a new one, forming "Sankofa pairs" who will have an opportunity to read their poetry at various library locations throughout the city.
“Monday Poets shows our communities what is possible – that becoming a writer is possible, that the spoken word brings the written word to life, and that in a comment of communal gathering, we can all be heard and seen,” said Andrea Lemoins, Librarian in the Art and Literature Department and Program Organizer for Monday Poets. “It’s a program that makes the work of public libraries visible, and one that should be celebrated.”
The 30th-anniversary celebration featured readings by some of the program’s most memorable past participants. Attendees were treated to a diverse range of poetic styles and themes, showcasing the program’s commitment to promoting a variety of voices and perspectives.
"This series has been a sanctuary for poets to share their voices and for audiences to find resonance in their words,” said Kai Davis, 2024-2025 Philadelphia Poet Laureate. “As we mark this milestone, we recognize the profound impact that poetry has on shaping our shared human experience and the vital role that this program has played in nurturing and uplifting poetic talent.”
For more information on Monday Poets, visit freelibrary.org/programs/monday-poet.
09/16/2024
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850