Did you know April is Poetry Month? Our Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar, and Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce have been busy with all sorts of exciting projects they’d like you to know about; and there’s more to come in May!

Youth Book Response: Poetry Contest

The Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL)- Nanaimo Harbourfront and the City of Nanaimo have partnered to create a Youth Book Response Poetry Contest. We are looking for youth poets in the Nanaimo area to write a poem inspired by, responding to, or discussing their favourite book! Poems can be any shape, size, and structure. There is no required word count. Submissions are welcome from everyone under the age of 18 in the Nanaimo region.

Winning poems will be displayed at the Nanaimo Harbourfront location of the Vancouver Island Regional Library with the books they reference or were inspired by.

Three prizes will be awarded to the top three poems selected.

More information about Youth Book Response: Poetry Contest

Poetry Readings

Kamal Parmar, Nanaimo Poet Laureate

Featured in the Nanaimo Art Gallery Store, Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar's latest poetry collection is available!

Vanishing into the Blue by Kamal Parmar | Photo by the Nanaimo Art Gallery

Poetry in the Park

The City of Nanaimo is pleased to present “Poetry in the Park”, an innovative new project with Nanaimo's Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar, adding poetry to Bowen Park. While in the park, look for lines of poetry with attached QR codes at scenic locations and enjoy “Poetry in the Park”! By using personal devices to access QR codes, viewers can enjoy virtual poetry readings by Poet Laureate, Kamal, in corresponding locations throughout the Park. The beauty of the surrounding environment is enhanced as Kamal reads poems inspired by the scenery, encouraging new perspective on ways in which the Park can be enjoyed, and highlighting intersections between recreation and culture.

QR Code 'How-To'

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