The public is invited to a poetry slam at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 at McKay Memorial Library in Shelburne.
Everyone is welcome to share a short original poem, or a poem by a favourite poet.
This is the second year that the Shelburne County Arts Council has presented a poetry slam.
Last year’s event launched the Gloria Hanief Poetry Collection at McKay Memorial Library.
Originally from Trinidad, Hanief graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of Toronto, receiving her master’s degrees in Education and English.
She taught senior high English at Shelburne Regional High School and was much loved by her students.
After Hanief retired, she joined SCAC and took on the role of treasurer.
With her sister and niece, she was an active supporter of the arts in Shelburne.
When Hanief died unexpectedly in 2016, SCAC wanted to honour her life in Shelburne.
Hanief loved literature, and so it seemed fitting that SCAC establish a poetry collection in her name at McKay Memorial Library.
SCAC developed a list of English-language poetry books and purchased them with assistance from the Whirligig Book Shop in Shelburne.
This year, thanks to donations made in Hanief’s memory, SCAC will be adding more books to that collection.
After the books have been accessioned by the Tri-County Regional Library, they will be available at McKay Memorial Library.
The May 7 poetry slam — to be emceed by SCAC’s writer-in-residence, poet E. Alex Pierce — is free, and refreshments will be served.
A signup sheet will be available at the door for anyone wanting to read a poem.
For more information, visit SCAC’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shelburnecountyartscouncil or its website at www.shelburnecountyartscouncil.ca.
