First indigenous US poet laureate among writers featured in Columbus book events

Some favorite sons and daughters of Greater Columbus will be featured in upcoming literary events. Authors Kevin Boyle, a National Book Award winner, and Hanif Abdurraqib, recipient of a MacArthur “genius” grant, will appear in separate bookstore events.

In addition, the first Native American poet laureate will appear at Denison University to read her poetry and share stories of her life.

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'THE SHATTERING: AMERICA IN THE 1960s'

BEXLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 2411 E. MAIN ST., BEXLEY

Details: In-person and online event with author Kevin Boyle, a former Columbus resident and National Book Award winner. Boyle will be in conversation with Ohio State University scholar Hasan Kwame Jeffries. “The Shattering” presents a history of a decade whose conflicts shattered life in postwar America and continue to divide the country. The event is co-presented by Gramercy Books, the Bexley Public Library and Ohio State University’s Department of History.

Time: 7 p.m. Jan. 31

Admission: Free but registration is required for both in-person and online attendance

Parking: Free at Bexley Public Library

COVID policy: Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test for in-person attendance. Masks are required.

Contact: 614-867-5515, gramercybooksbexley.com; 614-231-2793, bexleylibrary.org

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'AN EVENING WITH JOY HARJO'

DENISON UNIVERSITY, MICHAEL D. EISNER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 240 W. BROADWAY, GRANVILLE

Details: Joy Harjo, the first Native American poet laureate, will appear in the university’s Laura C. Harris Series and Beck Series. The internationally known poet, writer, performer and saxophone player is the author of nine books of poetry and a memoir. “An Evening with Joy Harjo: Women’s Empowerment, Indigenous Poetry and Native Literature” will include Harjo reading her poetry and sharing stories of her life. A Q&A period will follow with Denison University English professors David Baker and Linda Krumholz.

Time: 7 p.m. Feb. 15

Admission: Tickets are free, but limited to the public. Registration required on the Denison website in late January.

Parking: Broadway, in front of the Eisner Center; on College Street; and in the College Street parking lot, where handicapped-accessible parking is available.

COVID policy: All those attending must upload their vaccination cards including boosters prior to attending, as well as wear high-quality (N-95) masks. Capacity for the auditorium will be limited to 70%.

Contact: Robin Brown, 740-587-6297; brownr@denison.edu

'THE POWER OF REGRET'

DREXEL THEATRE, 2254 E. MAIN ST., BEXLEY

Details: In-person and livestreamed event with author Daniel H. Pink, during which the inspirational speaker and bestselling author will launch his seventh book, “The Power of Regret.” The book concerns the transforming power of regret, a misunderstood yet potentially valuable emotion. Pink will be in conversation with Pelotonia CEO Doug Ulman.

Time: 7 p.m. Feb. 17

Admission: $30, which includes a copy of “The Power of Regret;” a general admission ticket to access the online (without a copy of the book) event is $10.

Parking: On Main Street and at the Bexley Public Library across the street

COVID policy: Those attending in person must show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Masks are required.

Contact: 614-867-5515; gramercybooksbexley.com

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'RESPECT THE MIC'

GRAMERCY BOOKS, 2424 E. MAIN ST., BEXLEY

Details: In-person and online event featuring Hanif Abdurraqib and Peter Kahn. “Respect the Mic” is an anthology featuring 20 years of poetry by students and alumni of Chicago’s Oak Park River Forest High School Spoken Word Club. The evening will be moderated by educator Steven Waddell, a former member of the Spoken Word Club.

Time: 7 p.m. Feb. 19

Admission: Free but registration is required

Parking: On Main Street or in the small lot behind the bookstore

COVID policy: Those attending in person must show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test. Masks are required.

Contact: 614-867-5515; gramercybooksbexley.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus events to feature Kevin Boyle, Hanif Abdurraqib, Joy Harjo