For this fall, the Hometown Poetry Club is hosting a poetry reading for children and adults alike for the Thanksgiving and fall season holiday. Club members hope to inspire those who come with some humorous, inspirational, holiday, and even some “way back when,” poetry . For those who enjoy poetry either by writing or reading it, you can get a chance to hear original poetry by people whom you may or may not know from your area communities.
The Hometown Poetry club will be hosting their reading at the Arcola Public Library on Saturday, November 10th at 10:30am. The club is really hoping that they will get some interest from some of the children and young adults, as they know they frequent the library often. Also this spring, the poetry club is looking to sponsor a poetry contest for elementary, junior high, and high school students. Winners will get to read their poem at one of their readings, and also the club hopes to get it published in local area newspapers.
The reading will approximately last 45 minutes to one hour. The public is invited as well as anybody who may be stopping in at the library at that time. After the reading, attendees are welcome to speak with club members, and even find out how they can join the club as well. If anybody from the public has a poem of their own, they will be welcome to attend the reading to read their poem aloud as well. The club members welcome anybody and everybody with open hearts and minds.
The Hometown Poetry club was first formed in September of 2004, by club president, Ariana R. Cherry. Currently there are about 11 active members who are members of this heart-warming club. Since 2004, the club has held a few public readings at the Arcola Presbyterian Church, and the Arthur Public Library. They have also become regular visitors to the Arcola Healthcare Center as well where they share their poems to brighten the days of the residents who live there. The members even pass out free copies of their poems to them so that they can continue to enjoy the poetry even while they are gone.
The club meets on the third Saturday of each month at the Arthur public library to share poetry, play writing games, and plan their next events. The club also has a monthly newsletter that is published by their president, Ariana R. Cherry. Members are welcome to publish their work or any news into the newsletter as well. Membership is free and the Hometown Poetry Club is a non-profit organization. $4.00/year donations are encouraged to keep the monthly newsletter running for paper and printing costs.
For those who might be interested in joining the Hometown Poetry club, you can contact the club president, Ariana Cherry, to find out more about their meetings and activities.
If you have a special occasion that you would like to have the poetry club read at or if you would like to join this special poetry club in the Illinois area, contact Ariana at [email protected]
