In January 2024, the Town of Branford, in cooperation with the Trustees of The Blackstone Library, established of the office of Poet Laureate. A Selection Committee was formed, comprised of Frank Carrano (Former President, Branford Arts and Cultural Alliance – BACA), Chad Edgar (Blackstone Library Trustee), Katy McNicol (Blackstone Library Director), Laureen Mutuski (Branford High School English Department), and Alice Pentz (Former Willoughby Wallace Library Director). After a careful review of applications and interviews with the finalists, the Committee selected Judith K. Liebmann as the first to hold the position of Poet Laureate. She can be contacted at: poetlaureate@branford-ct.gov. Read more about Judith.
UPCOMING EVENTS 2024-2025
| DATE / TIME | EVENT | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
| Sunday, December 15 • 1:30-4 pm |
The Coming of the Light |
Open mic event. Poems from many cultures in celebration of the Winter Solstice | Blackstone Library |
| Wednesday, February 5 • 7 pm | Writing Poems of Love |
Open poetry workshop |
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library |
| Saturday, February 8 • 1:30-4:30 pm | For Valentine’s Day |
Local poets read poems of love |
Blackstone Library |
| Wednesday, March 19 • 7 pm | Poetry Reading: A Rilke Miscellany |
Judith K. Liebmann’s new collection of never-before translated short works |
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library |
| Saturday, March 22 • 3-5 pm | Poetry Reading: Quantum |
Judith reads from her new collection of poetry. |
Blackstone Library |
| Saturday, April 5 • 1-4 pm | National Poetry Month Event |
Celebrate and get to know your local poets – readings, book signings, music, conversation, refreshments |
Blackstone Library |
| Wednesday, April 23 • 7 pm |
Poetry In Extremis |
How poets speak for us in the worst of times |
Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library |
| Saturday, May 17 • 1-4 pm |
The Poets Among Us |
Readings by Branford residents and members of the Poet Laureate workshops |
Branford Arts & Cultural Alliance |
Check back as additional events and details are added!