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.

August's Readers are: 

Dralandra Larkins is a multi-genre writer, three-time award-winning spoken word poet, and the author of Before I Lie (2025). COMPAS teaching artist and art instructor at Now Make Art. She’s performed for the NAACP, Button Poetry, Mill City Museum, the Minnesota State Capitol, the MN Black Business Ball, and the MN Black Authors Expo. She co-edited Cracked Walnut’s anthology Rewilding Hope (2023), and The Nations Underground: Writing with Our Ancestors(2024). She is a recipient of the Loft Literary Center’s Teaching Artist Fellowship, the Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individuals Grant, and the EPIC Grant. She has led writing workshops for The Loft, Nexus Community Partners, UROC, Hennepin County, Perpich Center for Arts Education, the St. Cloud School District, and more. She is the creator of the Pocket Poetry Dispenser at Next Chapter Booksellers in St. Paul. She also serves as a grant reviewer and coordinates author programs for Friends of the St. Paul Public Library: Club Book, Moving Words, and the Fireside Reading Series. Follow her journey: www.dralandrawrites.com

Sharon Chmielarz taught German in public schools for thirty years and is the author of three children’s picture books and 14 books of poetry. Her poetry books have been finalists for the Independent Book Publishers Award, Midwest Book Awards, National Poetry Series, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.  Her work has also been nominated several times for a Pushcart, but as they say, always the bridesmaid, never the bride. She lives in Brooklyn Park with memories of her husband Tad. 

Marcy Andersen is a Minneapolis based poet who writes about the inner lives of people, spirituality, mental health issues, nature and relationships. In short, whatever needs to be put into words and sent out into the world. Marcy lives in North Minneapolis with her cat Oskar, an ex feral she rescued and describes as « fancy ». It is unclear what he thinks of this poetry business, as it does not affect his meals.

Joy Lewis is a current Minnesota resident who was born and raised in Chicago. With traveling to California for a year Joy has not stopped writing since then. Joy has been writing since the age of 15. She currently doesn’t have any publications but is planning on continuing writing. Her purpose is to uplift others and share her story to others.

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.