Library's new poetry collection is one of a kind

A new book showcasing the talents of 10 young poets has just been added to the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library's collection. Two copies of the book, "YouthREAD 2021 Where I'm From Poetry Collection," are now available to check out, said Sarah Cramer, youth services librarian. A third copy will remain in the library so there will always be one for visitors to read. Cramer explained that the project was part of this year's YouthREAD program. "Every year around March they pick a CommunityREAD book, and everyone reads it and they have the author come," she said. "But we also pick YouthREAD books, which are companions about similar subjects but written for kids at different levels." She said the poetry idea went along with this year's YouthREAD books, which focused on family, identity and where a person comes from. April was also National Poetry Month, said Cramer, "so it was sort of a two-for-one." Youth in kindergarten through grade 12 were invited to write a "Where I'm From" poem about themselves. "Tell readers all about yourself by sharing things that make you who you are," participants were told in the directions. "They could be things that you love (like your favorite movies) or things that remind you of something in your past (like a picture from a special day) or even little things you always have around you (like the trinkets in your bedroom)." Cramer said Renée Watson, one of the authors of this year's YouthREAD books, actually used a "Where I'm From" poem to introduce herself to the audience at a virtual conference. "And then I found it online again at a different location where she shared the same poem, and I thought, this is a really cool idea," said Cramer. Packets were prepared with directions on how write the poems. "For younger kids, it was more Mad Lib Style, fill in the blank," said Cramer. "And for older or more experienced poets, it was more of a brain-storming activity." In all, 10 young people from Hancock County submitted poems. Some also drew pictures or included photographs to accompany their work. Submissions were all compiled in the comb-bound, softcover book that is now available in the children's department. Cramer said she's pleased with the results. "I think it looks great. I think the kids will be really excited to read it. I think they did a great job, and I hope they had fun doing it," she said. She also hopes the project will inspire them and other young people to write more poetry. "We have lots of resources about writing poetry or books of poetry for kids to read to get inspired here at the library," she said. "Poetry is great for self-expression, which makes it a great idea for poems about yourself." Wolf: 419-427-8419