Poetry Slam to Showcase Young Local Literary Talent

All teen poets are being called to the Tolland Public Library on Friday, April 26 to perform original poems and compete for prizes in the Tolland Public Library Foundation’s second poetry slam.

The slam, part of the Foundation’s “Year of the Young Adult” initiative, is open to students in grades 7 to 12. The competition is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in conference room A at the Hicks Municipal Center (across from the Hicks gym) at 21 Tolland Green.

Students will be performing up to two three-minute poems, which will be judged by a panel that includes Tolland High School Assistant Principal Margot Martello; THS senior Amanda Danielson; Young Adult/Children’s Librarian Ginny Brousseau; Library Assistant Irene Pudelkiewicz and Foundation Secretary Kate Farrish. 

A top prize of a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card and other prizes will be awarded.     The slam will be hosted by James MacArthur, a Tolland High English teacher.      Entry forms are available at the public library, the middle school library, the high school library and from any THS English teacher. 

Students must return the forms to one of the same places by Monday, April 22. Poets must bring five copies of both of their poems to the public library by Wednesday, April 24 for the judges.    

The slam is free and open to the public, but audience registration is required. To reserve a seat, please call the library at 860-871-3620.