The library has many new books by diverse poets. You can find these on a table at the back of the library on the upper level and on a display rack on the lower level. To learn more about National Poetry month events and to sign up to receive poems in your email inbox, visit the Academy of American Poets.
Reading a book of poetry or a book written in verse qualifies for Durham Tech’s Reading Challenge:
Check out the library’s downstairs display to find books of poetry, CDs, and DVDs of poets reciting their work.
Here are some new poetry collections available in the library:
The 100 Best African American Poems PS 591 .N4 A15 2010
Beauty Is a Verb : the new poetry of disability PS 591 .D57 B43 2011
Head off & Split by Nikki Finney PS 3556 .I53 H43 2011
Horoscopes for the Dead by Billy Collins PS 3553 .O47478 H67 2011
A Hotel Lobby at the Edge of the World by Adam Clay PS 3603 .L385 H68 2012
Making Poems : forty poems with commentary by the poets PS 617 .M36 2010
This Metal by Joseph Bathanti PS 3602 .A89 T45 2012
Shoulda Been Jimi Savannah by Patricia Smith PS 3569 .M537839 S56 2012
Thrall by Natasha Trethewey PS 3570 .R433 T47 2012
Words of Protest, Words of Freedom : poetry of the American civil rights movement and era PS 595 .R32 W549 2012
Audiovisual Materials:
Poetry on Record [CDs] : 98 poets read their work, 1888-2006 PN 6101 .P64 2006
Poetry Lounge [DVDs] : spoken word and the art of self-expression PS 617 .P64 2004
Search the online catalog for other poets and poetry.
Here are 30 ways to celebrate poetry month with good ideas and things you can do!
Santosh ‘Toshi’ Shonek
Our NDC librarian, Santosh ‘Toshi’ Shonek, has published her third volume of poetry, called Take My Love for Granted, which is now available for checkout from the libraries. Toshi’s daughter created the art work for each of her book covers.
Toshi has worked at Durham Tech for about thirteen years. Before Durham Tech, she was a librarian at Duke University.
Toshi recalls how she began writing poetry, “One day in August of 1997, while sitting at work in the Perkins Library of Duke University, some feelings came over me and I had to put them down on paper. Things which were always there became important. Writing gave me a voice and courage to express what I felt. Poetry is a necessity like breathing. It happens… I write when the urge is so strong. Poetry is a miracle and a blessing in my life and I am grateful.”
Borrow one of Toshi’s books today!
Take My Love for Granted, PK 2097 .S566 T6 2012
Windows to My Heart, PK 2097 .S566 W5 2001
Remembering My Spirit, PK 2097 .S56 R4 1999
The library is featuring a display on the lower level of poetry books. Check out classic poets or modern poets! Be inspired to write your own poetry.
Here are some great websites for reading, learning about, and listening to poetry!
A resource from the Academy of American Poets with thousands of poems, essays, biographies, weekly features, and poems for every occasion.
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/
Find poems, poets, poetry news, articles, and book reviews
Library of Congress poetry resources including poems, poetry readings, poetry news and events, and information about U.S. poet laureates.
The Poetry Archive is an ever expanding archive of poets reading their own work.
