Sierra Nevada College’s new Poetry Center promotes an appreciation of contemporary poetry among students and community members while providing support for current and emerging poets.

At the grand opening March 28-29 the college will be hosting poet laureate of California Juan Felipe Herrera and award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield for public readings and workshops.

The Poetry Center represents a wide and diverse collection of poetry including voices that have not often been heard in the region. The library is open to the general public and offers free library access to all local and Nevada residents.

The March 28 event begins at 5:30ppm in the Prim Library

with a reception, followed by readings at 6:30pm and author signings at 7:30pm.

On March 29 there will be a workshop with Jane Hirshfield from 9:30-11:30am, a High School Student Workshop with Patricia Smith from 1:30-3:30pm, a workshop with Laura Wetherington from 1:30-3:30pm, and

open mic with Smith from 7-9pm.

All events are free and open to the public.