Poetry: Slammin' in the Library

Outreach Librarian Anne Switzer presents award to April slam winner Melissa Rios

On November 1, 2007, Kresge Library collaborated with Auburn Hills Public Library to present its first ever poetry slam.  For those new to this phenomenon, a slam is a competitive, performance-oriented event in which the poets are judged by a panel taken at random from the audience. This event was well attended by Oakland students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the surrounding community. 

The evening was emceed by Auburn Hills Public Library’s director, (and seasoned, nationally-known poetry slammer) Karrie Waarla. As a warm-up, there was a non-competitive open mike segment during which participants read from their own work or that of others. For the slam, the poets had to use their own original work. The winner Seneca Wilson and runner-up Alex Cherup received, respectively, $100 and $50 gift certificates to Barnes & Noble.

The event was so successful that we sponsored a second poetry slam on April 10th, in celebration of National Poetry Month. As before, Karrie Waarala brought her inimitable verve as emcee. This time the winner was Melissa Rios and the runner-up was Christina Droscha.

In another effort to bring poetry off the page and to an audience, Kresge Library began holding monthly poetry readings (the first Thursday of each month) in the library’s Student Lounge. These events are a relaxed and informal setting where poets can read their own works, poems by other authors, or just listen. The attendance has increased with each meeting. Check out the Poetry @ Kresge Library group on Facebook and join us at our next poetry event!