EVERETT, WA – April is National Poetry Month. This year, Everett Public Library will host two free programs to celebrate the importance of poetry in culture. 

On Tuesday, April 20 at 5 p.m., Everett Public Library will host Everett Poetry Night at www.crowdcast.io/e/everettpoetry. This free program features two poets who write and reflect on Everett in their work. Steve K. Bertrand and Jeanne-Marie Osterman will talk about poetry and each will read a selection of their Everett-inspired poems.

Steve K. Bertrand is an award-winning poet, historian and photographer. His poems, stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications locally, nationally and internationally. Bertrand has had a long career as a teacher and coach in the Everett School District. The author of over 35 books, Bertrand lives in Mukilteo.

Jeanne-Marie Osterman was born and raised in Everett. She is the author of “There's a Hum” and “Shellback.” Her poems have appeared in several regional and national publications. A finalist for the 2018 Joy Harjo Poetry Award and 2017 Levis Prize in Poetry, she is poetry editor for cagibilit.com, a journal of prose and poetry.  

On Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m., Kevin Craft will host Generation! Poetry Workshop. This hands on session is geared toward anyone with a curiosity about poetry and a desire to unlock their creativity. No previous poetry experience is required. Space is limited and advance registration is required: www.epls.org/poetry. 

Kevin Craft is the editor of “Poetry Northwest” and chair of the Department of English at Everett Community College. His books include “Vagrants & Accidentals” and “Solar Prominence” and five volumes of the anthology “Mare Nostrum.” 

Both events are free and open to the public. Visit www.epls.org or call 425-257-8000 to learn more about these events and other library programs.

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