My notion of the Poetry Now project is to create an audience for contemporary poetry in locales not generally immersed in the current poetry scene. Both rural and urban, these sites are populated by citizens of every hue and ethnic background.

The Poetry Now project has two complementary aspects. First, by visiting these spots, talking about Illinois poetry's rich history, and reading from my own work, I aim to persuade folks that current poets do indeed speak to the pressures and anxieties and beauties of our everyday lives. Second, by donating funds toward the purchase of contemporary poetry books at local libraries, I hope to ensure that area readers are exposed to poets writing in and of their own moment in history.

Libraries Receiving “Poetry Now” Funds
(Click on library to view books purchased)

• Carol Stream Public Library / Carol Stream, IL / November 2, 2006
• Columbia College Library / Chicago, IL / April 28, 2005
• College of DuPage / March 30, 2006
• Elgin Community College Library / Elgin, IL / April 21, 2005
• Elmhurst College / November 3, 2005
• Illinois College / November 17-18, 2005
• Kankakee Community College / September 29, 2005
• Kennedy Junior High School / October 20, 2005
• Kewanee Public Library / Kewanee, IL / April 6, 2006
• Knox College Library / April 9, 2005
• Millikin University Library / Decatur, IL / November 10, 2006
• Peoria, IL Public Library – April 5, 2005
• Richland Community College / Library, Decatur, IL / April 1, 2005
• Southern Illinois University / Edwardsville, IL / April 20, 2006
• Watseka, IL Public Library / November 9, 2004
• Western Illinois University / September 25, 2005
• Wheaton North High School / May 10, 2005
• Wheaton Warrenville South High School / May 10, 2005