The River Falls Public Library will host two acclaimed regional poets, Freya Manfred and Thomas R. Smith, at “A Harvest of Poems” from 6;30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.

The reading will showcase new work by both featured poets followed by an open mic inviting community members to contribute a favorite poem, original or otherwise.   

Manfred, who grew up in southwestern Minnesota and now lives in Stillwater, has recently published her 10th poetry collection, When I Was Young and Old. Fellow poet Jim Moore writes, “Grief and joy, humor and mystery; all belong together in this full embrace of a book.” 

Smith will read new work as well as poems from his recent collection Medicine Year. He lives in River Falls and has written extensively about life near the Kinnickinnic River. Poet Margaret Hasse says, “Smith’s words offer understanding of how to be wholly present to experience — whatever comes.”

The evening will offer a rich feast of poems both seasonal and timeless, enriching listeners’ own journey into autumn. This is a free event. The River Falls Public Library is located at 140 Union St. Phone is 715-425-0905 for information. The program will also be streamed live on the library’s Facebook and YouTube.

Submitted by Thomas R. Smith