Dayton Metro Library’s Friends of the Library is excited to announce their sponsorship of several poetry-unique events throughout March and April in honor of the 150th anniversary of Dayton native and poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

The Library will first offer Poetry Workshops Presented by Underdog Academy, Dayton’s own renowned spoken word poetry group. The workshops, geared specifically for tween and teen poets, are designed so that those attending can learn about various poetry techniques.

All sessions will run from 3:30-5 pm. Participating DML locations hosting Underdog Academy Workshops include:

Main Library, Conference Room 1A, 1st Floor: Thursday, March 3 and April 7

Southeast Branch Library: Thursday, March 10 (Advanced registration is required for this session.)

Northwest Branch Library: Thursday, March 24

Wilmington Stroop Branch Library: Thursday, March 31

A virtual option is also scheduled for Thursday, March 17. Advanced registration is required for this session, which will be held through Webex. Once registered, details will be emailed that explain how to join on the day of the event. It is recommended that participants have a stable internet connection, a microphone-enabled device or headset, and if desired, a webcam. If you do not have those items, you may also join by phone.

Poems created at the Poetry Workshops Presented by Underdog Academy can be performed at Dayton Metro Library’s Poetry Slam, which is also sponsored by Friends of the Library. The Slam will be held in the Main Library Eichelberger Forum, Saturday, April 9, 1-3 pm.

Poets of all ages who wish to share written word, spoken word, or rap-style poems (explicit language not allowed) are welcome. The Slam will be a family-friendly, open mic event. Registration will be required to perform, with a 25-person performance limit. Walk-ups from the audience are welcome, but performance consideration will first be given to those who register. Underdog Academy will close out the show.

For more information about the Poetry Workshops Presented by Underdog Academy or the Poetry Slam, or to register, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Programs or call the Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665. For more information on Friends of the Library or how to become one, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Friends.