Monthlong Series of Free Workshops, Performances and Open Mics Invites the Community to Explore the Power of Poetry

In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, Anythink Libraries is partnering with Adams County Poet Laureate Aerik Francis to host a monthlong series of workshops, performances and community gatherings designed to spark creativity and connect people through the power of language.

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Adams County Poet Laureate Aerik Francis, pictured, will lead workshops, performances and open mic events at Anythink Libraries throughout April as part of National Poetry Month programming. The free series invites community members across Adams County, Colorado to explore creative writing, spoken word and poetry through hands-on events at Anythink’s library locations and in Anythink World.

Throughout April, Anythink Libraries’ seven locations will offer a wide range of poetry-focused experiences led by Francis and other local artists, including Suzi Q. Smith and Franklin Cruz, which invite community members of all ages and skill levels to explore writing, performance and artistic expression in welcoming, supportive spaces.

From generative writing sessions to spoken word workshops and an open mic night, the programs highlight poetry as a tool for reflection, connection and creativity while reinforcing Anythink’s role as a civic and cultural hub for the arts in Adams County.

“Poetry invites us to slow down, listen closely and discover new ways of seeing the world,” said Aerik Francis, Adams County Poet Laureate. “Through these workshops and events, we hope to create spaces where people feel inspired to experiment with language, share their stories and build community through creative expression.”

One of the featured events is Word/Play: Generative Writing with Adams County Poet Laureate Aerik Francis, taking place April 2 at Anythink Huron Street Library. During the playful, hands-on workshop, participants will explore wordplay through creative prompts and exercises, experimenting with homonyms, homophones and puns while drawing inspiration from contemporary poets.

The series offers workshops, performances and open mic opportunities throughout the month, including:

• Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Anythink Perl Mack Library: Moving the Words with Franklin Cruz: A bilingual workshop combining creative writing with movement and dance to explore storytelling through the body.
• Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Anythink Commerce City: The Music of Our Lives with Suzi Q. Smith: A poetry writing workshop focused on sound, rhythm and the music of language.
• Tuesday, April 7, 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Anythink Bennett: Writing to Music with Suzi Q. Smith: A lyric writing experience where participants create poetry inspired by instrumental music.
• Thursday, April 9, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Anythink Huron Street: Adams County Poet Laureate Open Mic: An all-ages evening of poetry where community members are invited to share original work in any language.
• Monday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., virtually at Anythink World: Poetry Publication Workshop: A virtual session in Anythink World that demystifies the process of publishing poetry and submitting to literary journals.
• Monday, April 20, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Anythink Thornton Community Center: Say Something with Franklin Cruz: A workshop using club-style dance exercises to explore storytelling through movement.

The month concludes with The Exchange: Music, Movement and Poetry, from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m April 30 at Anythink Wright Farms. This collaborative evening of performances and conversation featuring Aerik Francis, Franklin Cruz, Suzi Q. Smith and Angie Ráfaga. The event explores how different art forms intersect and influence one another while offering audiences a chance to connect directly with working artists.

“Libraries have always been places where creativity and ideas thrive,” said Mark Fink, Executive Director of Anythink Libraries. “National Poetry Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the voices in our community and to provide space for people to experiment, express themselves and discover the joy of language.”

National Poetry Month programming will take place throughout April at various Anythink Libraries locations and online through Anythink World. Most programs are free, though some require advance registration due to limited space.

For event details and registration information, visit anythinklibraries.org.

About Anythink Libraries

Anythink, an award-winning public library system, serves the residents of Adams County, Colorado via its seven branches, a bookmobile and the upcoming Nature Library and Reunion Express Library. With a mission to “Open Doors for Curious Minds,” Anythink is a catalyst for innovation and provides comfortable spaces, accessible resources and hands-on programming for all ages. Guided by values of creativity, optimism, compassion and lifelong learning, the library system is committed to representing the diversity of Adams County and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Anythink’s digital resources are available 24/7—including Anythink World, the library's custom virtual experience platform in the metaverse. The library’s customer experience also extends to specialty spaces and hands-on programs like The Studio, the Nature Library and mySummer. Whether you're exploring a new topic or mastering a skill, discover something new at Anythink. Learn more: anythinklibraries.org

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Anythink Libraries invites the community to explore the power of poetry through free workshops, performances and open mics led by Adams County Poet Laureate Aerik Francis throughout April. #NationalPoetryMonth #Libraries