Louisiana poets gather for National Poetry Month

BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana will celebrate National Poetry Month in April with the 15th annual Just Listen to Yourself: Louisiana`s Poet Laureate Presents Louisiana Poets. Louisiana Poet Laureate Alison Pelegrin will host the event.

Pelegrin has invited six poets from across the state to read their work. Participants are Ralph Amado, Carrie Causey, Sean Munro, Louisiana Writer Award recipient Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Sha'Condria "iCON" Sibley, and Nikki Ummel. Pelegrin will also read some of her work.

The free, in-person event will be held in the first-floor Seminar Center of the State Library in Baton Rouge at noon on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The State Library of Louisiana is located at 701 North 4th Street.

"This program has become a must-attend event for so many established and rising poets in our state," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. " If last year's program is any indication, this year's will also be great."

"A poet`s voice is their instrument of power, and I am thrilled to announce this lineup - just a small sample of Louisiana`s poetic talent - for the 2025 Just Listen to Yourself event," Pelegrin said. "Something special happens when poets come together on a stage to share their work, and I hope you will join us on April 17 to witness this magic."

Copies of books by participating poets will be available for purchase at the program.

The Louisiana Center for the Book was established in the State Library of Louisiana in 1994 to promote interest in reading, books, literacy, and libraries, and to celebrate Louisiana`s rich literary heritage. It is the state affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. For more information, please visit LouisianaBookFestival.org and follow us on Facebook.