Poetry Circle

Mercer County Library Poetry Circle meets twice monthly: 

  • the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 PM to 8 PM to read and discuss poetry;
  • the third Wednesday of each month from 2:30 PM to 4 PM to critique members’ poetry work in progress.

Both programs are held in person at the Lawrence Headquarters Branch. All are welcome to join. Call 609-883-8292 or email lawprogs@mcl.org for questions.

A Poetry Happening: Mercer Poets Read

Monday, April 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Separate from the Poetry Circle programs held at Lawrence, join MCLS virtually for a celebration of National Poetry Month. Chip McAuley, poet and librarian, will host an evening of poetry, with local poets reading their own work or a favorite published poem. Poets may submit a poem, citing the author, to hopeprogs@mcl.org by Monday, April 21.  All are invited to attend the program for an enjoyable evening of poetry!  

Registration with an email is required, so we can send you a link to connect through GoToMeeting. You will receive the link approximately 24 hours before the program.

Poetry Circle: Gary Snyder

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Gary Snyder, writer of prose and poetry, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for poetry and American Book Award, and a long-time environmental activist is renowned for his use of natural imagery in his poetry and his identification with both Native American culture and Zen Buddhism. His poetry examines the gap between nature and culture and points to ways in which the two can be more closely integrated. Poetry Circle friend Ann Kerr will lead the presentation.

Advanced registration is appreciated.

Poetry Writing Workshop

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Join the Poetry Circle Poets, a monthly group of writers who share and critique their own poems in a supportive environment. 

Advanced registration is appreciated.