Staff Report
Local Middle school students who respond to the library’s current Poetry Challenge-to write a poem on the theme of “Selfies: Pretense, Truth, and Dreams”-will be reading their work at the Solvang Library on Wed., April 25, at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to come enjoy and celebrate with them.
The Poetry Challenge, sponsored by the Solvang Library, is the brainchild of volunteer host and poet Steve Braff. “With submissions still coming in,” said Braff, “it’s apparent that the “Selfies” theme has engaged student’s imaginations- the poems we’ve received are delightful.” Library staff notes: “It’s not a contest, but a challenge to respond creatively, and to share what you write”
Joining Braff as discussion moderators for the public reading will be poets Christine Kravetz and Ron Alexander. Christine is a published poet and Regional Coordinator & Teacher with California Poets in the Schools (CPITS). She also trains poet-teachers and administrates CPITS throughout Santa Barbara County. Ron Alexander is a psychologist and a published poet who is also is a CPITS Teacher. A short film based on a poem of his has shown at LGBTQ film festivals here in the US, as well as in Asia, South America and Europe.
Steve Braff performs and organizes poetry events throughout Santa Barbara County. He serves as co-founder of the Santa Ynez Valley Poetry Workgroup, Poetry Chair for the Santa Ynez Valley Arts Association, and is the New Programs Liaison for CPITS of Santa Barbara.
Following the reading, all poems will be available in an online book.
For more information call the library at 805 688-4214<tel:805%20688-4214> or contact solvanglibrary@santabarbaraCA.
Information about Santa Barbara Public Library System locations, hours, events, and programs is available at SBPLibrary.org<http://www.
