More than a dozen of the South Sound’s finest poets will be reading their work at King’s Books Nov. 22, part of Tacoma’s Art at Work Month events being held in numerous arts venues throughout the city. The daylong marathon will coincide with a bookstore open house as well to mark the second year King’s Books has hosted Puget Sound Poetry Connection’s (PSPC) monthly Distinguished Writers Series.
Tacoma writer Maggie Kelly will host the event. The marathon originated from a brainstorm she had one day. “I was puzzling the question, ‘How can we show King’s Books that we appreciate the fact that they have hosted our group meetings for an entire year?’ My answer was to bring customers to the store, and that’s when I came up with the marathon idea.” She said the first marathon last November was a “resounding success.”
According to Kelly, all of the poets featured in this year’s marathon have earned acclaimed status for their talents and enthusiasm in bringing their works to the public. “Each one of them has earned some sort of award recognition,” she said, noting that each of them has also created a substantial body of work that led to their being invited to read.
“So often we forget what is the poet’s work. It is to maim what is going on in the world. In doing that, it is also to share their poetry. It is in that maiming and sharing that’s part of the art work that’s going on this month.”
The day will include three open mic opportunities for those who wish to sign up and share their poems (see sidebar for times). She advised signing up early, as the spots fill up quickly.
This event is being sponsored by PSPC and is supported through funding from Tacoma Arts Commission, which has awarded annual grants to PSPC for the past 14 years.
The day will also include recognition of King’s Books for its steadfast supports of the arts in general and local artists in particular. “I cannot say enough about how wonderful they are,” Kelly said. “They’re so hospitable and contribute so much.” She commented that the bookstore’s owners and employees are “just jewels who take the extra mile to make things successful.”
King’s Books is located at 218 St. Helens Ave. Admission is free and refreshments will be available. The marathon begins at 10:55 a.m. with a welcome from Kelly.
“I’d like to encourage people to come, bring a sack lunch and have poetry for dessert,” Kelly said. “Come browse the books and meet the resident cat.”
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