River Poets

Origins

Founded in May 1994 at the Bloomsburg Public Library, River Poets has attracted members and poets from Scranton to Selinsgrove and other undisclosed locations. Phillips Emporium has been the center of space, gatherings, and organizational support since nearly the beginning of River Poet time.

The format is themed (suggested, not required; encouraged not forced) or a featured reader(s) followed by an open reading. Although not strictly rule-bound, we do encourage a 3-poem or 5-minute time constraint on open readers, before we bring out the hook. Mostly we try to avoid having the audience zone JoAnne Growney signs a copy of her bookout or run away screaming.

All people and all works are welcomed - bring original items, favorite works, songs, a lie or two. River Poets is an encouraging and supportive group of pilgrims, pioneers, not too preachy, and notoriously polite, too. Really!!

GETTING CONNECTED - Well, you could show up at Phillips Emporium on a second Tuesday at 7:30 PM; but if that is not your style (you are shy?) then e-mail: Dick Sweeney at rms8634@verizon.net or phone him at 570-437-2661; or Dave Barsky: 784-9231; or Mike DeMarco at mdmep@sunlink.net or phone him at 570-387-0920.