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Transit Poems to be Unveiled on April 9

Public invited to view and hear poetry

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed March 23, 2016 11:45 AM

Summary

Inspired by Nanaimo's Poet Laureate, the Poetry in Transit Program is a way for the many riders of Nanaimo's public transit to rethink and reimagine their city through poetry. Over the past few weeks, local poets have been submitting poems based on the theme "Riding the Bus".

On Saturday, April 9, 2016 the public is invited to attend a special ceremony to unveil of the first set of transit poems. Join the Poet Laureate and the participating poets at the Vancouver Island Regional Library (Harbourfront Branch) at 1:00 pm to see what the program is all about, and view the first set of poems. There will be a bus on-site displaying the selected poems, and poets in attendance to read them. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Poetry in Transit program is a partnership between the City of Nanaimo, the Regional District of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island Regional Library.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Poetry in Transit Program furthers the goals of the Strategic Plan by promoting local poetry as part of Nanaimo's cultural vitality.

Key Points

  • On Saturday, April 9, 2016 the public is invited to attend a special ceremony to unveil of the first set of transit poems. Join the Poet Laureate and the participating poets at the Vancouver Island Regional Library (Harbourfront Branch) at 1:00 pm.
  • Over the past few weeks, local poets have been submitting poems based on the theme "Riding the Bus". The selected poems will be displayed on City buses for a select period of time.
  • The Poetry in Transit program is a partnership between the City of Nanaimo, the Regional District of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island Regional Library.

Quotes

"I am delighted that my suggestion that poetry should go on Nanaimo buses has been so speedily taken up and made a reality by the Culture and Heritage Department and that it has also been embraced by Nanaimo poets who have sent in their poems about riding in buses. Look out! They are coming to buses on your route soon."

Naomi Beth Wakan
Poet Laureate
City of Nanaimo

"We are happy to be a part of the Poetry in Transit Program. This is a great opportunity to partner with the City of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Regional Library, and local poets to promote literacy and poetry within our region."

Teunis Westbroek
Chair
RDN Transit Select Committee

Quick Facts

  • April marks the 17th anniversary of National Poetry Month in Canada. Established by the League of Canadian Poets, National Poetry Month celebrates poetry, writing, small presses and the contribution of poets and writers to the cultural life of Canadians.
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Contact:

Chris Barfoot
Culture & Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7522
Brandon Miller
Superintendent, Transit Service Delivery
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-4111
Jennifer Seper
Customer Services Librarian
Vancouver Island Regional Library
250-753-1154

Print News Release

Event Information

Start time:Sat, Apr 09, 1:00 PM
End time:Sat, Apr 09, 2:00 PM
Location:Vancouver Island Regional Library (Harbourfront Branch)
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