In preparation for the event, the adult and young adult book clubs at the library have been reading some poetry books this month. Graham and Bartolotta will share some of their favorite poems, too, at this interactive celebration of poetry event.

Graham, a U.P. singer-songwriter and poet, has been working hard this past year at writing his best collection of poems to date. The words become deeper, wrapped in an air of mystery as to what will be said next. Writing songs and poems is Graham’s way of coping, molding and exploring the world. He has firm dedication to the craft and enjoys performance readings during the month of April, along with other featured poets.

Bartolotta, aka Soph, is a Marquette creative who does a little bit of everything, like painting, music and poetry. She has just self-published her first work, titled “To Be Human,” with 38 pages of original poems and illustrations. She takes her inspiration from the idea of human experiences and has been actively writing and creating while pursuing art education studies at Northern Michigan University. She has a dazzling sense of storytelling in her poems that paint a believable picture by the words she speaks.

The poetry performance is free, but the poets will have some of their work for sale for those who are interested.

Soph Bartolotta

“Troy is a talented musician and poet who has written a few poetry collections already. He is one of our favorite performers at our library, and I am excited to meet and listen to Soph’s poetry, too,” Library Director Evelyn Gathu said. “Our library wanted to do something really special for National Poetry Month this year, since it is the 30th year since its conception in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. It is the largest literary celebration in the world, and our library wants to encourage our patrons to read, write, and celebrate poetry this month especially, and beyond.”

The Crystal Falls District Community Library is at 237 Superior Ave. in downtown Crystal Falls. All are invited to this celebration of one of the earliest forms of writing. For more information, call 906-875-3344 or email egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org.