Today is the start of National Poetry Month, and we’re delighted to tell you of our big upcoming poetry event: on Thursday, April 17th, Ada Limón will return to our historic Coolidge Auditorium for her closing event as U.S. Poet Laureate. As per tradition, Ada will give a lecture—hers is titled “Against Breaking: On the Public & Private Power of Poetry.”
Ada has been one of our busiest and most impactful poets laureate, as you regular “Bookmarked” readers know. Last summer we posted a travelogue of her “Poetry in Parks” initiative trips to national parks across the country—here are some photos her final two trips this winter. First, on December 3rd Ada and Library Literary Director Clay Smith traveled to Saguaro National Park outside Tuscon, Arizona:
Ada Limón walking the Broadway Trail in Saguaro National Park with local grade school students. Photo National Park Service.Ada with Library of Congress Literary Director Clay Smith before the public event at Saguaro National Park. Photo National Park Service.Ada speaking at the public event in Mica View Picnic Area, with the “Poetry in Parks” table in the background. Photo National Park Service.The line for Ada’s book signing after her public event. Photo National Park Service.
After Hurricane Milton scuttled our October trip to Everglades National Park in Southern Florida, we rescheduled for January 31st—and the weather could not have been better!
Ada with Park Ranger Dylann Turffs, participating in a virtual education program in Everglades National Park. Photo National Park Service.Ada participating in a panel discussion with O, Miami Artistic Director Caroline Cabrera, poet Arsimmer McCoy and Everglades National Park Chief of Communications and Public Affairs Allyson Gantt. Photo National Park Service.The table reveal to conclude the public event, outside the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Everglades National Park. Photo National Park Service.Allyson Gantt with the “You Are Here” anthology, next to the Everglades “Poetry in Parks” picnic table. Photo National Park Service.
We hope you will join us the 17th to help us say good-bye to Ada and celebrate her historic three-year appointment.
Comments
Antonia Matthew says:
Ada Limon — I don’t have the words for the gift of having lived long enough (86yrs) to read her words that are strong, moving, funny, loving (under her mother’s raincoat all those years) surprising, strengthening…
I love the photos of her in the Parks and have read and enjoyed “You Are Here” anthology.
Thank you Ada Limon for the person and poet you are.
Comments
Ada Limon — I don’t have the words for the gift of having lived long enough (86yrs) to read her words that are strong, moving, funny, loving (under her mother’s raincoat all those years) surprising, strengthening…
I love the photos of her in the Parks and have read and enjoyed “You Are Here” anthology.
Thank you Ada Limon for the person and poet you are.