Shropshire libraries encourage people to Stand Up for Poetry

Libraries across Shropshire are encouraging people to Stand Up For Poetry in October 2011, as part of a celebration of poetry across the county this half-term. 

Stand Up For Poetry will take place in Bridgnorth Library and Ludlow Library on Wednesday 26 October 2011, and in Market Drayton Library and Whitchurch  Library on Friday 28 October 2011. 

Volunteers are being recruited to stand up and read poetry out loud in the libraries, and people young and old are invited to sign up and get involved. 

Poems will be read on the hour on certain days during the month, and could be old favourites, new discoveries or even self-penned poetry. 

In Bridgnorth and Ludlow, professional stand-up poet Jonny Fluffypunk will be on hand to contribute his own brand of off-beat verse. 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member for active and healthy lifestyles, said:

“There is a wide variety of poetry available to borrow from libraries throughout the year, but October will see special poetry displays, events and activities in many library branches.  Stand Up For Poetry is part of this celebration, and puts poetry firmly in the hands of the readers.” 

Rawden Parslow, library area manager, said:-

“We wanted to try something a little bit different, by encouraging people to think about a poem that means something to them, then share it in the library.  Poems can really come alive when read aloud, and although the prospect may seem a little daunting, I’m confident that readers will rise to the challenge.” 

Anyone interested in volunteering to read a poem should contact the relevant library:- Bridgnorth Library 01746 763358, Ludlow Library 01584 813600, Market Drayton Library 01630 652105, Whitchurch Library 01948 662238.