Blank Verse is a reading series that supports diverse writers of all ages, levels, genres and performance styles including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction and spoken word. Each event will feature local poetry and prose writers, and time for open mic and conversation.

Blank Verse is sponsored by Cracked Walnut, a chapter of the League of Minnesota Poets, which aims to generate love for live literature, community, and creativity.

December's Featured Readers are four of Anoka County Library's 2024 Featured Local Authors:

Kathryn Tokar Haidet is a wife, mother, grandmother, newsletter editor, lifelong writer, and a dogged survivor of life. She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Minnesota in 1976. Kathryn attended South High School in Cleveland (it no longer exists) and graduated from Mount Union College with a B.A. in English. “Crashing Through the Windshield” is her first novel.

John Stroebel has lived in Blaine for over thirty years, raising four children and fostering many more. Since 1987, he has been an engineer designing implantable medical devices and has obtained more than three dozen patents. During Covid, John took the opportunity to work on a lifelong interest in writing. The result is Leaf Runner, his first full-length novel.

Phuoc Thi Minh Tran As a retired librarian, a respected storyteller, and an award-winning author, Phước has shared her experiences and knowledge of Vietnamese culture at various cultural events, storytelling programs, conferences, communities, libraries, universities, colleges, and schools throughout the state and beyond. “Vietnamese Folktales for Children” is her fourth book for young readers.

Loren Niemi is a Minnesota based poet, author and innovative storyteller whose work includes a 2020 Midwest Book Award winning short story collection, "What Haunts Us," a poetic memoir "Breviary for the Lost," and "Circus Rex," a novel of romance and catastrophe.

Anoka County Library strives to ensure that all visitors are able to access library resources, services, and programs. Assistive technology and program accommodations are available at many library locations as outlined here. Please call the library branch hosting the program at least two weeks prior to an event if there are additional accommodations we can provide for you to fully participate.