Various Verses at Library's National Poetry Day Event

Hamilton poets will recite a range of verses when the city's Central Library hosts its annual National Poetry Day event late this month.

National Poetry Day is Friday, 28 August, and the Central Library's annual celebration of the day will feature recitals by members of Hamilton groups Poets Alive and Slamdown Poetry.

Tracy Robinson, Hamilton City Library's Outreach Librarian, says National Poetry Day events aim to be inclusive.

"The National Poetry Day Open Mic Night has been running for about five years, and is co-hosted by Poets Alive. The aim is to encourage people to give poetry performance a try in a safe environment," she says.

"It also gives the chance for those more experienced poets and performers to showcase their talents, and the audience can hear poetry performed and enjoy the spoken word."

Judy MacDonald, Poets Alive spokesperson, says the group aims to accommodate anyone with an interest in poetry: "Our style is eclectic - everyone is different in the way they approach poetry, and the wide range of styles adds to the enjoyment."

The Poetry Slam competition has been running for three years. Co-hosted by Te Ahurei a Rangatahi and Hamilton Slamdown, the Spoken Word Slam is a competition for spoken word. It also incorporates two age group sections – 10 to 17 years, and an open section.

Adds Mrs Robinson: "The Spoken Word Slam is also about audience participation. Members of the audience get to give feedback to the performers, which adds an extra dynamic to the event. Prizes are awarded to the winners of the two categories."


Photo courtesy of Hamilton City Council

The National Poetry Day Open Mic Night, hosted by Poets Alive, runs from6pm-7.30pm, and is followed by the Spoken Word Slam Down, from7.45pm-9.45pm. Both events are free and are held on Level 2 of the Central Library.