ALTA-LA: LIbrary launches monthly poetry series in September

by Timothy Rutt

 

Altadena poet laureate Linda Dove

The Altadena Library is launching a new poetry series, "ALTA-LA," on the third Thursday in September, October, and November, where some of the best poets in LA have a chance to share their work, along with an open mic for the next great poets to sound their voice.

 

Hosted by the Altadena Library's current poet laureate Linda Dove, the event will boast a spectacular lineup:   Peter Ludwin and Lois P. Jones on September 19, a bilingual event with three Latina poets (Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin, Gerda Govine Ituarte, and Thelma T. Reyna) on Oct. 17, and Mary Fitzpatrick and Brendan Constantine on Nov.21.

Linda Dove suggested the name ALTA-LA to show the breadth of this series since it includes well-known poets throughout the Los Angeles area.  Peter Ludwin comes all the way from the state of Washington. And if you have some poetry in you, there will also be an open mic. Stop in to enjoy the company and poetry of these accomplished and spirited writers. You are guaranteed a great evening! 

This free series is sponsored by the Friends of the Altadena Library District.  These events are supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from the James Irvine Foundation.

Peter Ludwin received a Literary Fellowship from Artist Trust, the W.D. Snodgrass Award for Endeavor and Excellence in Poetry and Second Prize Anna Davidson Rosenberg Award. His book Rumors of Fallible Gods was a two-time finalist for the Gival Press Poetry Award.  Other awards include Soundings Review 2011 Reader’s Choice award and The Comstock Review 2012Special Merit Recognition.  He lives near Seattle.

Lois P. Jones hosts Pacifica Radio’s “Poet’s Café” (KPFK 90.7 fm), and co-hosts the Moonday series in West Los Angeles. New Yorker staff writer Dana Goodyear selected “Ouija” as 2010 Poem of the Year.  Publications include Narrative Magazine, American Poetry Journal, Nassau Review and Antioch’s Lunch Ticket. She is the 2012 winner of both the Tiferet and the Liakoura prizes in poetry and also the Poetry Editor of Kyoto Journal.

The Library closes at 6 PM, but will re-open from 7-8:30 PM for the poetry program.   

The main Altadena Library is located at 600 East Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001. For more information please call 626-798-0833 or visit the library on the web at http://www.altadenalibrary.org.