Related Resources at the Library
Poetry at Noon is a popular reading series that began in 1993 with a "Love Poems" reading for Valentine's Day and has continued to this day. Designed by the poet, Patricia Gray, the series usually features three guest poets who read not only their own work, but also work by other poets, living or dead, classical or contemporary, on the theme for the reading. The idea behind Poetry at Noon (PAN) was to interest people who do not usually attend poetry readings to come because of their interest in the theme. Some of the other themes have been, "Poems for Weddings," "Spirits and the Supernatural," "Home and Hearth," "Urban Life," etc. The readings occur irregularly during the year; however, they are usually held on Tuesdays in the Pickford Theater in the Madison Building. Guidelines for submissions to read in the PAN program are posted the last week in May of each year.
Since they began, the noon poetry readings have gained in popularity. Guest poets have come from as far away as California, Canada, and Arizona to participate, and the themes have drawn widely divergent audiences, ranging in age from preschoolers to senior citizens. Generally, the audience consists of Capitol Hill staffers, people who live within driving distance of the Library, school groups, tourists, and others who love literature. The series offers access to poetry for those unable to come to the Library's evening poetry events, and features nationally known poets as well as poets who have not published books. The only criterion is excellence. The Poetry at Noon series offers a brief lunchtime respite from fast-breaking events in Washington, D.C., and the Library setting provides a serene place in which art and scholarship can combine to enhance human understanding. Poetry at Noon also contributes to the art and creativity aspects of the New Visitors Experience at the Library of Congress.
Guidelines for Submissions to the Poetry at Noon 2009 Series
Several Poetry at Noon readings, sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center, Office of Scholarly Programs, will be held in 2009. To apply to read in the series, choose a theme below and follow these guidelines:
- Include a cover sheet with the theme as the title of your submission. List your name, address, phone number, and email address.
- You may apply to read in one or two of the themed programs if you have not read in the Poetry at Noon Series in the past three years [Please see the one exception made below for the May reading.]
- Select your theme or themes from the list. Submit two of your own poems and three by other poets (a total of 5 poems) on that theme. This constitutes one submission.
- Please be sure the author’s name is on each poem.
- Include a one-paragraph bio with each submission.
- Staple all pages together.
- Indicate on the cover sheet for which other theme you are submitting, if you are.
Spring 2009 Themes
February--"Love Poems" for Valentine’s Day
March--"Poems about Abraham Lincoln" This theme may be expanded to include poems about the events of his life and times.
April--AShakespeare's Birthday Reading@ [No submissions; just come and read from Shakespeare’s work.]
May--"Poetry at Noon 15th Anniversary Reading. If you have read for Poetry at Noon at any time in the past 15 years, you are invited to return and read a poem for this anniversary celebration. Please send us your current contact information.
Fall 2008
A new Poetry at Noon outreach effort to spotlight poets laureate
from each state is being planned this fall. Submissions are
not being taken at this time.
Please Note: Regrettably, honoraria and travel funds are NOT available.
Send manuscripts to:
Patricia Gray
Library of Congress
Poetry and Literature Center
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20540-4861
Deadline Postmark: July 15, 2008
(Manuscripts will not be returned.)
