Read a Poem Aloud at Wonthaggi Library

POETRY writers, poetry readers and poetry lovers can listen to readings on the first Monday of every month at the Wonthaggi library.

To entice and expand interest in and discussion of poems, poetry and poets, a Read a Poem Aloud (RAPA) corner has been created. 

People are invited to take to the pedestal in the poet’s corner, ring the bell and begin to recite a poem for the whole library to enjoy.

Poets are welcome to read their own words and everyone else can find and select words from poets and poems that grace the library shelves, or from their own personal collections, although family friendly verses are requested by the library. 

Tim Gesell, Customer Service and Programmes Officer at the library said it’s a fun activity that can help to give people more confidence speaking in public, and people also have the option to choose whether to read during busy times or quieter times.  

The library have a wonderful collection of poetry books that were donated by a local lady and they also have a good collection in the literature section. 

“A good place for children to start is with Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes,” said Tim, and adults may enjoy the anthologies by The International Poetry Library, who select and publish amateur poetry and give a good overview of different styles.

Some of the more well known poets include William Wordsworth, John Keats, Robert Frost, Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver, however obscure, unknown and amateur poems are also welcome to be read.

The library also host The Bass Coast Poetry Wall where budding poets or those well versed are invited to send in their words (basspoems@wgrlc.vic.gov.au) to be displayed in the window.