Get in the mood for poetry

Fall is beautiful
in Wisconsin.  Then winter
comes.  Cold until May.

           -by Librarian Kate Moody

Are you ready to compose an amazing seventeen syllables?  Haikus are coming to Lane Library this month.  

In honor of the upcoming visit of the current Poet Laureate of Wisconsin, Max Garland, we will be holding a haiku contest in the library.  On Wednesday, October 30^th, at 7:30pm, Mr. Garland will be in the North Reading Room of the library to read and discuss his work, with a reception to follow.  This visit is sponsored by Lane Library and the Ripon College Visiting Writers Series, with assistance from the Schang Family Fund.  For more information on Mr. Garland and to read some of his poetry, please visit the Wisconsin Academy website.

Now it is time for you to get creative and work on a haiku with a seasonal theme (fall or Halloween).  We will always accept library inspired haikus as well.  Haikus are a traditional Japanese form of poetry that stress simplicity, can be very direct, and use the 5-7-5 syllable format.  If you want a little help in composing your own, try Write a Haiku.

Photos of sample apples; more will be made!

We will pick the top three haikus and allow you to vote for your favorites at the end of the month.  The winner will receive a couple of fancy caramel apples, created especially for you by librarian Amy Rachuba.  

 Please begin submitting your haikus, either by submitting your entry in the designated box by the circulation desk in the library, or feel free to post either in the comments here or on the Lane Library Facebook page.  If email is more your style, feel free to email us at askref@ripon.edu.

We will announce the finalists on Wednesday, October 30^th, the day of Mr. Garland's visit, and we will open it up for your voting at that time.  The winner will be chosen a few days later.    

Enjoy your fall break, get inspired, and take time to write a haiku or two!