By: Danette Haworth,
on 8/5/2015
One of my favorite FL comedians!
Preacher Jovan Lawson notices an important omission in how women work out. Here he is, developing the bit at Diverse Word, but it's already perfect! Preacher, I can't wait to see your inevitable Comedy Central Special!
(Filmed w iPhone, Diverse Word open mic, host: Shawn Welcome; every Tuesday @ 7:30pm, Dandelion Communitea Cafe)
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By: thurberhouse,
on 4/12/2013
How are you celebrating National Poetry Month?
Since 1996 the Academy of American Poets has been encouraging people everywhere to embrace and celebrate the history, passion, and art of poetry. Around the country people are planning readings, write-ins, talks, and events that could inspire a haiku out of anyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just interested in seeing what poetry has to offer, Columbus offers a few great ways to take part in the celebration.
Meet the Authors: Celebrating National Poetry Month
Tuesday, April 17, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Westerville Library, Meeting Room B.
Three published poets from the Westerville Poetry Group share their work. An open mic gathering and discussion will follow the readings.
Pen and Pallete Poetry Open Mic
Thursday, April 18, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Travonna Coffee House.
Free poetry open mic, hosted by local poet Hanif Abdurraqib. All work is welcome to be shared!
Borderlands: Poetry On the Edge
Saturday, April 20, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Main Street Books (Mansfield, OH).
These poetry readings feature writers we have invited from all over the state; the readings by our hand-picked poets will be followed by a brief open mic.
National Poetry Month Publishing Workshop with M. Scott Douglass, Publisher of Main Street Rag
Thursday, April 26, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Bexley Public Library.
To celebrate National Poetry Month this year, OPA members are invited to attend a publishing workshop where they can get great ideas and advice to help them compile a manuscript for a book or chapbook.
Poetry Slam and Open Mic
Every Wednesday, 8:00 p.m.
Kafe Kerouac.
Every Wednesday Writers’ Block Poetry has their weekly slam followed by an open mic for anyone in the audience.
Even if you can’t make it to one of these events, celebrate poetry on your own terms! Whether you’re doing a little extra writing or reading, take the opportunity to further explore this fantastic multi-faceted art form. So indulge in your favorite poet, find your favorite line, and spread your love of poetry!
Are you doing something to celebrate National Poetry Month? If so, let us know in the comments below!
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The concept of the library and the coffee house has been linked for quite some time. Thinking back to the work of Jurgen Habermas, around the time of the Revolution Habermas articulated the importance of the coffee house as a place for meeting, discussion and debate, before freedom of speech was the norm. Historically, and even today, the library is seen in the same manner, as somewhere patrons can go to access educational tools and become informed citizens. Perhaps political discussion is not as common in the library, but many still meet there for programs, to study, or simply to hang out. The following information will discuss the recent merging of coffee bars and libraries, as a marketing strategy to reach patrons- especially teens.
A 2006 study of teens reports a 25% increase in the number of teen coffee drinkers over the course of 2 years. This number is really quite staggering! When asked why, many replied that they like the caffeine and the taste, and they enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a place like Starbucks. Bookstores have already jumped on this notion, encouraging customers to linger a while and enjoy the books, One study showed that some teens were using a local Barnes & Noble like a library- reading, studying, asking for reader’s advisory. When asked why, they gave the following reasons:
Academic libraries (who typically have more funding and are in competition for students) are latching onto this trend perhaps more quickly, by placing coffee shops in or close in proximity to their library. Wireless computer access allows students to move about the library, in a way that wasn’t possible only a few years ago. A study on this topic sought to gage college/university students library usage, study habits, and coffee consumption. The library was listed as the number 1 study location, and studying and using email were the top 2 library behaviours. In terms of coffee consumption, convenience was listed as the number 1 factor in choosing a coffee bar, and students reported drinking 1-3 cups on average per day. 33% of academic libraries in the overall sample were said to be amending their food and beverage policies to make the library a more relaxing place to be.
Coffee shops were especially a good idea in cases where libraries had extended hours. One university turned their coffee house into a place for poetry readings and open mic nights on certain nights of the week, which I thought was a great culturally enriching move. 
The libraries in the study reported an average of 24% more people coming in after installing their coffee bars and/or vendor. So, this service was tested to work well with college/university student, who are studying intensively and require a relaxing atmosphere to conduct their studies. Will this be as effective to bring teens into public libraries? It remains to be seen, depending on what kinds of coffee service/snack service is offered - a full service facility, variety of snacks, staff run/contracted, vending machines, etc. are all considerations. Below are a list of pros and cons to coffee houses in libraries, based on the research I have conducted.
Pros
Cons
Either way, this is an idea many libraries are considering, and I believe it is valid to consider why. I welcome any opinions on whether or not you think coffee bars/cafes are a good idea for public libraries, specifically for teens.
References
Anonymous. (2008). A cafe or coffee bar in the public libraries. realistic or not? Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://members.tripod.com/~robyn64/Page.htm
Marshall, M. (2006). The teen coffee drinking trend. WBZTV.com. Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://wbtv.com/Caffeine.Teen.Coffee.2.575920.html
Schott, K. (2006). Libraries with coffee shops the ‘in’ thing at area universities. BNET.com. Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://findarticles.com/p/articesl/mi_qa3652/is_200608/ai_n17191828/print
Singh, G. (2002). Evolving space: an examination of coffee shops in academic libraries. Retrieved March 24th, 2008 from http://www.ils.unc.edu/MSpapers/2813.pdf
