The Poet Laureate makes the LC even more great

The Library of Congress annually appoints the Poet Laureate, and the Library of Congress hosts the Laureate from October to May. The Laureate receives a $35,000 annual stipend. While the Laureate is provided maximum freedom to work on their own projects while at the Library, the Laureate also "gives an annual lecture and reading of his or her poetry and usually introduces poets in the Library's annual poetry series, the oldest in the Washington area, and among the oldest in the United States. This annual series of public poetry and fiction readings, lectures, symposia, and occasional dramatic performances began in the 1940s." You can listen to thousands of poets read their works through the Archive of Recorded Poetry.

This year's Poet Laureate W.S. Merwin will give his inaugural reading October 25th at 7 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium (Jefferson Building). Be there for the excitement, the poetry, and the reception! (The receptions are always good).

In addition, the evening, "A Celebration of American Poets Laureate," which starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6, will feature readings by Billy Collins, Rita Dove, Daniel Hoffman, Donald Hall, Maxine Kumin, Kay Ryan, Charles Simic and Mark Strand, and will be followed by a reception and book-signing. Kay Ryan is a wonderfully funny poet and poetry reader. Charles Simic is a regular writer for the NY Review of Books. It'll be a great evening!

Library of Congress is Great Blogger has Returned

This blogger has returned from a brief hiatus to revise her book for publication. The book went to the press on Monday night. Tuesday afternoon I was back in the European Room. I saw Eric there, who said that most people would think it was strange to be there after completing a book, but he completely understood. The Library of Congress is Great!