In recognition of National Poetry Month this April, the Fairhope Public Library has announced its partnership with local poet and songwriter Mike Turner for an evening of poetry scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Entitled "Beach Beats: Poetry on Mobile Bay," the event will showcase readings from three poets. Among them are Sue Brannan Walker, former Poet Laureate of Alabama; Karen McAferty Morris, a three-time finalist for the National League of American Pen Women’s Vonnie Ream Medal for poetry chapbooks; and Turner, recipient of the Alabama Writers Cooperative’s 2023 Roger Williams Peace Prize for Writing.
Trista Lackey, head of the Library’s Reference Department, expressed enthusiasm for the event.

“'Beach Beats' offers a wonderful opportunity for people in our community to celebrate poetry written by local poets who share their thoughts and ideas through poems,” Lackey said. “Join us - you might even discover your own poetic muse and be inspired to pen your own lines.”

Turner, who will serve as the event's Master of Ceremonies, commented on the talent in Baldwin County and surrounding areas.

“There’s a tremendous amount of poetic talent in our area,” Turner said. “Poetry brings us together by showing us that we share the same feelings, hopes and dreams. ‘Beach Beats’ is a opportunity for area poets to present their work, and folks in the community to hear it.”Alongside the featured poets, attendees will have the chance to participate in an open mic session by signing up to read their original works.

"Beach Beats" is free and open to the public, and the Fairhope Public Library is fully accessible. The event will take place at the Library’s Giddens Conference Center, located at 501 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope.
For further details, individuals may contact the Fairhope Public Library at (251) 928-7483 or reach out to Mike Turner via email at SailorUke@aol.com.