The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) has brought poetry programs to Clallam County this month in celebration of Poetry Month, in partnership with area organizations.

Poetry Fest kicked off at the Port Angeles Main Library on April 4 with the inauguration of Nellie Bridge of Sequim as Clallam County’s new poet laureate, taking over from the first poet laureate, Jaiden Dokken. Poetry readings included Bridge and Dokken as well as guest poets Esther Saniigauq Kugzruk, June VanDenBurg and Lucian Parker

A second Poetry Fest event will take place on Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m. at the Forks Branch Library, 171 S. Forks Ave., where Bridge and guest poet ćićayx̣mu Rachel Sullivan-Owens will read from their work.

Bridge will read again at a reception on Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at the Sequim Library’s temporary location at 609 W. Washington St. Guest poets Saniigauq Kugzruk, Claire Nakagawara, and Nevada Batcheller will also share their poetry.

Visit NOLS.org for more information about the events, which are supported by local Friends of the Library groups. Support for the Clallam County Poet Laureate position comes from the North Olympic Library Foundation and Clallam County.

Poetry Walks

Throughout April and May, community members can enjoy Poetry Walks, featuring nature-themed poems placed in inspiring locations. The self-guided experience invites one to explore and contemplate the poems at their own pace, and encourages different perspectives and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.

Poetry Walks returns for its 11th season in Olympic National Park, this year featuring poetry along the Madison Creek Falls and Spruce Railroad trails. New this year, poems will also be displayed along trails at the Elk Creek and Lyre Conservation Areas, which are stewarded by the North Olympic Land Trust.

More information about the trails can be found at NOLS.org/poetry.

National Park Week

National Park Week, April 19–27, is celebrated at all national park areas across the country. National parks have inspired artistic and creative expression for generations, and finding inspiration along the Poetry Walks is one way everyone can join in and celebrate the artistic legacy of national parks.

The Poetry Walks program is offered to the public by the Port Angeles Friends of the Library. For more information about this and other upcoming events, visit NOLS.org or email discover@nols.org.