A small but growing community of writers is finding its voice at the Iola Public Library through a poetry group that encourages creativity and constructive feedback.
Organizer Anna Hawley said the idea of an informal poetry group grew organically after she attended a library event featuring a visiting poet laureate, where she and other attendees discussed starting a recurring poetry gathering.
The group began meeting in May 2024 and incorporates a relaxed structure, allowing participants to engage with poetry at their own comfort level. Meetings are designed to be inclusive for writers and poetry enthusiasts alike.
Hawley explained that sessions often begin with a theme, allowing participants to either bring a favorite poem that fits the topic or share original work. The latter portion of meetings is dedicated to writing exercises and optional feedback.
THE GROUP prioritizes creating a safe environment for participants to share their writing. They maintain a private Facebook page to share instructional materials and thoughts. Hawley noted privacy is an important element to the participants. “Sometimes it’s really personal and you’re okay sharing it with only a handful of people,” she said.
While some of the original participants are no longer able to attend, Hawley and fellow member Josh Clark have remained consistent leaders of the group. Beyond monthly meetings, members occasionally attend regional poetry events, including poetry gatherings hosted by Bridge Street Books in Humboldt. The group has also discussed creating a printed booklet of members’ poetry and potentially forming a songwriting group.
Hawley said the group also serves as an opportunity to discover new writers and poetry styles through collaboration with others. “It’s just nice to share our favorite poetry and poets with one another,” she said. “And there’s so much good stuff.” Hawley brings her own love of poetry to the group, noting that Madeline L’Engle is her favorite poet.
OUTSIDE THE poetry group, Hawley is an eighth-grade math teacher at Iola Middle School. This is her first year at IMS. Before that, she had taught at Iola Elementary School for six years.
Originally from Spring Hill, she attended Spring Hill High School and later Evangel University in Missouri.
The poetry group remains open to new participants. Those interested can contact the Iola Public Library for meeting details.
The group meets either the first or second Tuesday of each month, typically from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with dates determined at the conclusion of each meeting.
Hawley hopes the poetry group continues to foster creativity and connection within the community. “I think that’s part of it,” she said. “And it helps introduce you to new poetry that you may have not known about.”
