To celebrate National Poetry Month, we are hosting a Poetry Open Mic Night at the Library with guest facilitator Joe Fusco, Jr. from the Worcester County Poetry Association. Participants are welcome to read their own poetry or something by a favorite poet. This event is free and open to the public, however, registration is requested so that we have an idea of the number of participants. Generously sponsored by Friends of the Charlton Library.

A half-century ago, the Worcester County Poetry Association (WCPA) was founded in 1971 by Dr. Samuel Bachrach and Professor Michael True and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1972. With over fifty years of service to poetry, it remains one of the longest-running non-profit poetry organizations in the United States. The mission of the Worcester County Poetry Association is to:

Celebrate the rich literary history and creative energy of Central Massachusetts through public readings, workshops, festivals, scholarly conferences, and other programs.

Publish the literary journal The Worcester Review.

Collaborate with libraries, bookstores, colleges and universities, museums, churches, schools, community centers, businesses, and cultural organizations to promote poetry events.