An Evening with Poet Laureate Kevin Stein

Are you looking for something inspiring to do on a rainy Thursday evening? If so, the Friends of the Carol Stream Library invite you to join us tonight to meet Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein. Stein will read from his new book, Wrestling Li Po for the Remote and answer questions from the audience.  In December, 2003, the Governor of Illinois named Kevin Stein Illinois Poet Laureate, filling the position previously held by such notable authors as Howard Austin, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks. In this capacity Stein co-sponsors Illinois poetry competitions for Emerging Writers as well as elementary, middle, and high school students. He also created the Poetry Now! project that has donated funds to nearly 50 Illinois libraries for the purchase of poetry by Illinois writers, designed and now maintains two laureate websites promoting the state’s poetry, and has offered over 170 in-state readings and presentations.

Stein’s newest collection, Wrestling Li Po for the Remote, appeared in spring 2013 from Chicago’s Fifth Star Press. Yusef Komunyakaa calls that volume “a tour de force . . . of mercurial wit and quickness, politics and aesthetics“ in which “nothing seems to escape this poet’s flawless ear and keen eye.” As poet, critic, and editor, Stein has published eight poetry collections and chapbooks, three scholarly books, two poetry anthologies, and numerous poems and essays published in journals as well as anthologies. This work has received acclaim from reviewers, including notice by Julia Keller in the Chicago Tribune and Mark Eleveld in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Before the reading, the Friends of the Library will host a reception for the poet. Come early for a chance to meet Stein in a more casual setting. Refreshments will be served.  Here are the details:

An Evening with the Illinois Poet Laureate

Thursday, September 19

6:00 pm: Author Reception
7:00 pm: Presentation by Kevin Stein

We look forward to seeing you there.