Peters Township Library Welcomes Noted Author and Poet

The Peters Township Public Library will welcome author of poetry and fiction Dr. Samuel Hazo, who will discuss “Poetry in Public Speech” next month.

The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at the library.

Hazo is the author of poetry, fiction, essays, and four plays. In 1993, then-Gov. Robert Casey named Hazo Pennsylvania’s first State Poet Laureate and he held this honor until 2003.

From his first book, through the National Book Award finalist for Once for the Last Bandit, to his newest poems, he explores themes of mortality and love, passion and art, courage and grace.

Hazo suggests that “the absence of poetry in public speech can only be remedied by poetry itself. Poetry is the language of ‘felt speech,’ which is the only form of speech that is memorable."

"We cannot forget it even if we try. I will try to give examples of this from my own poetry and by the poetry of several other poets and let the differences speak for themselves," he said in a release. "The unpoetic language that we hear and read on a daily basis simply does not answer the need we have for something deeper. Only poetry gives that.”

As the founder and Director/President of the International Poetry Forum, Hazo has brought more than 800 poets and performers to Pittsburgh in the past 40 years.

Hazo is McAnulty Distinguished Professor of English Emeritus at Duquesne University, where he taught for 43 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Arts degree from Duquesne University and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh.

He has received 11 honorary doctorates and has been the recipient of numerous awards.

To attend this event with Hazo, register by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org, visit the library circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430. A book signing and reception will follow the program.