Cairo Public Library Hosting Poetry Workshop

By Jesse Angelino

CAIRO — The Cairo Public Library is set to host a poetry workshop, "16 Candids Poetry" led by local author Gabrielle Bettin, as part of the Writers and Poets grant program. The workshop, which begins on Monday September 8th, aims to provide a safe space for community members to express themselves through their writing.

Gabrielle, a Cairo native and graduate of Cairo-Durham High School, is a published author with a passion for discovering writers and poets from the area. Her book, "Thoughtless Poems of a Thoughtful Mind," debuted in 2023, showcasing her talent for weaving words into meaningful representation. Gabrielle's goal for the workshop is to help participants tap into their creative potential and connect members with others through their writing.

"I feel there are two parts of ourselves, the part that is practical and the part that is imaginative," Gabrielle explains. "I want to show others how to bridge the two in an understanding environment." By exploring different writing styles, such as Haiku and epistolary, participants will learn how to journal and record their thoughts and experiences for their art.

The workshop will meet weekly from 6-8 PM, starting on September 8th and running until December 29th, with a brief hiatus on October 27th. Attendees will have the opportunity to write and read their own materials, receive inspiration from well-known poets, and explore their own values for writing styles.

Corinne Tatavitto, Cairo librarian, emphasizes the importance of providing a secure space for participants to present themselves. "We would like to give members of our community a non-judgmental place to show themselves through their works," she says.

Gabrielle's experience as a writer and her passion for branching out to others through poetry make her the perfect facilitator for this workshop. By attending similar events, such as the "All Things Good" festival in Sullivan County, Gabrielle has seen firsthand the merit of associating with others who share in her interests. "Meeting other poets is a very informative experience, and I want that opportunity to exist in my community," she says.

The poetry workshop is open to all, regardless of their writing experience. Whether you're a seasoned poet or just starting out, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and tap into your literary potential.

For more information about the workshop, please contact the Cairo Public Library. Don't miss this chance to explore and learn with like-minded individuals from your own locale!