Library Board Commits to Poetry Tradition in Katonah

It reads like the Who's Who of American Poets. The list of distinguished writers who have read their works at the Katonah Library Poetry Series have made the 43-year old event a unique happening in town.

The departing director of the series, Dr. Leisha Douglas—a psychotherapist, yoga teacher and poet—says that the non-profit series has consistently sought out the best possible artists who are setting trends in the literary world, to read their works.

"Our tradition has been to have an intimate, salon-type atmosphere that is approachable and affordable to many people," she says. "We attract people from age 17 up to 87 year-olds. How many community events have this appeal?"

Katonah Library trustee Judy Blundell says the board is committed to taking on the series as a permanent program, funded and directed by the library. "We need to find someone to head it and who will follow in the wonderful footsteps of Dr. Douglas," says Blundell. "And though the fiscal environment is challenging, we are seeking ways to find the needed money to go seamlessly forward with this series - one that really enriches our community."

From 1991-2008, the Poetry Series was headed by former United States Poet Laureate Billy Collins and has welcomed such participants as Joyce Carol Oates, Erica Jong, Tony Hoagland, Adrienne Rich, Mark Strand, Howard Moss, Mark Doty and scores of other poetry greats.

A recent article in the New York Times described the improbable circumstances that could see such a storied tradition be discontinued due to lack of funds, even though it takes place in such an affluent community.

Many therefore hope for a renewed interest in the series, along with monetary contributions that will support future readings. The gatherings have previously attracted up to one hundred poetry fans, who get together for an hour-long reading, Q & A, drinks, nibbles and a book-signing, according to Douglas.

She added that people who may not have attended a reading before would be pleasantly surprised to find out how funny, enjoyable and even electrifying a poetry reading can be, with poets speaking to the everyday questions of life.

"I have been enchanted and touched," says Gail Greenstein, a Katonah resident who has attended numerous readings over the years. "Poetry readings draw out a very interesting crowd of people."

Marisol Kaminski is another poetry aficionado for whom the series had a real effect on her decision to move to Katonah. "My husband and I were driving around looking for towns to move to from the city-those that embrace the arts-and when we saw the banner for the poetry reading of a favorite poet at the Katonah Library, we knew this was it," she recalled.

On Sunday, October 3, the featured reader is Chase Twichell, a celebrated American poet, professor and publisher. She says that she loves to read her work aloud.

"Like music, poetry is scored- it matters how it sounds in the air," she explains. "The poet can emphasize the subtleties and highlight the way it was intended to be delivered. And being able to interact with the audience adds so much," Twichell says.

For a taste of her poetry, the following is entitled Vestibule from the collection Horses Where the Answers Should Have Been (Copper Canyon 2010):

VESTIBULE

What etiquette holds us back

from more intimate speech,

especially now, at the end of the world?

Can't we begin a conversation

here in the vestibule,

then gradually move it inside?

What holds us back

from saying things outright?

We've killed the earth

Yet we speak of other things.

Our words should cauterize

all wounds to the truth.

For more information about the series and upcoming eents, email info@katonahpoetry.com.