The Bushwick Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. — Photo by Anna D’Agrosa

I headed to the Montrose stop for my first (shame on me) trip to the Bushwick Branch of the Public Library on Saturday to attend the first in a new monthly reading series. I was directed to the basement of the library (which, as poet Patrick Rosal later noted, brought back some junior high memories) and found a room full of literary fans, homemade cookies and stacks of writer-recommended books available for checkout.

The series is organized by librarian Nate Hill and co-curators Niina Pollari and Parker Phillips; Saturday’s lineup included three poets and my favorite novelist, Paul Rome. Russell Jaffe of poetry blog O Sweet Flowery Roses started off, followed by Emily Reardon with her very thoughtful work (”Reasons Not to Marry” was a personal fave). Paul read an excerpt of his novel which the audience loved — so smart, a tad dry in the really good way, and totally engrossing. I can’t wait to read the whole thing!

The final reader was poet Patrick Rosal whom Niina described as “extremely kickass” — and I would have to agree. He read several selections from his recent poetry book, and had the whole room hanging on every word.

After the readings, Nate was on hand to register new library cards for people like me who don’t have them yet. (I have a poor history of late returns, e.g., a certain Barbara Mandrell album that I kept at home for 6 months in the 2nd grade).

The Reading Series will happen on the second Saturday of every month. I highly encourage all of you writers, poets, playwrights, and what-have-yous to participate (submit work/questions to bushwickbunker@gmail.com) and the rest of you to attend!

Related Posts