April is National Poetry Month and the Swansea Public Library is proud to announce the 2nd Annual INTERGENERATIONAL POETRY SLAM! which will be held on Thursday April 17th from 6:00PM-8:00PM at the Swansea Community Center located at 260 Ocean Grove Avenue.Â
What’s a Poetry Slam?? Besides a gathering of versifiers, rhymesters,, sonneteers, lyricists, literary bards, troubadours and balladeers, a poetry slam offers participants an opportunity to read an a original poem they have written and would like to share with others. Poems are scored by a panel of 5 judges from the local community who will judge on writing and delivery
This is a gentler approach to typical poetry slams held in clubs and college campuses where scores are announced out loud directly following the reading. We are going to use quiet ballots and winners will be announced at the end of the readings. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will receive a cash prize and will have their poems published on our website, Facebook page and other social networking sites.  We will also submit the work to the local newspapers. We want to encourage new poets to come out and share their work. It's a great way to contribute and experience art within the community.Â
There are only a few basic rules. Original poetry only, please and the readings should be kept to 3 minute maximum reading time. Each person gets to read one poem. After all poems are read, an open mic will take place allowing anyone to share more poems.Â
The SPL Intergenerational Poetry Slam is open to audience members and participants of all ages. It is free to participate and free to watch.  Poets must register by April 16th so ballots can be prepared. Register by calling the library at 508-674-9609 , or emailing Kaija G at kgallucci@sailsinc.org or join our event on the library Facebook page.
We are looking forward to hearing from more wonderful poets this year.
For more information, contact the library at 508-674-9609 or visit our website at www.swansealibrary.org
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