Upcoming Readings: Fall 2023

It's almost winter!  But before that, here is a list of events that I will be doing. 

Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 5 pm: Finlandia Foundation North: Poet Sheila Packa to Present Program at Finnish-American Meeting at Kenwood Lutheran Church, 2720 Myers Avenue, off Arrowhead Road in Duluth. The meeting is free and open to the public.

This is also a meeting of the Lakehead Chapter of the Minnesota Finnish-American Historical Society on Thursday, September 21st at 5pm. We will begin with our Business Meeting at 5pm, followed by coffee at 5:30 pm and our program by Sheila Packa, a poet, writer, and teacher with Minnesota and Finnish roots. Duluth’s Poet Laureate in 2010-2012, Sheila has written five books of poetry, has taught creative writing at Lake Superior College and other community venues, and has published her work in literary magazines and anthologies. She has received awards from the Minnesota State Arts Board, two Loft McKnight awards, and a Loft Mentor award in poetry, among other achievements. Her program "Three Rivers: A Poetry Reading” will include a short presentation about a few Finnish poets and an invitation for the audience to write a poem as a guided writing prompt. The author will have her books available for sale. 

October 10, 2023: Twin Ports Perceptions Panel at the Duluth Public Library (downtown) at 6 pm

This fall, the Twin Ports Perceptions project will invite six award-winning Twin Ports authors (three from each side of the bridge) to participate in two moderated panel discussions to talk about how they portray Duluth and Superior in their work, how they grapple with issues of regional identity, and the challenges and joys of writing about where they live. You’re invited to join the discussion and add your perspective to these conversations. How would you characterize the “personalities” of the Twin Ports?

The first discussion will be held at Superior Public Library (1530 Tower Avenue, Superior) on Tuesday, September 26 at 6 p.m. and will include Anthony Bukoski, Carol Dunbar, and Barton Sutter. 

The second discussion will take place at Duluth Public Library (520 West Superior Street, Duluth) on Tuesday, October 10 at 6 p.m. and will include authors Linda LeGarde Grover, Jayson Iwen, and Sheila Packa. Both discussions will be moderated by retired librarian/author/historian Teddie Meronek.

You’re encouraged to familiarize yourself with the work of the participating authors ahead of the event by picking up a free booklet containing writing samples from each author. Booklets can be picked up
at the Superior Public Library in early September and will be available while supplies last. A downloadable version of the booklet is also available on the library’s website. Copies of the authors’ books can be checked out from your public library or purchased locally at Zenith Bookstore, the Bookstore at Fitger’s, and Barnes & Noble.

Two cities. Two nights. Two discussions. Endless possibilities. We hope you’ll join the conversation.

This program is funded in part by a grant from Wisconsin Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Wisconsin Humanities strengthens our democracy through educational and cultural programs that build connections and understanding among people of all backgrounds and beliefs throughout the state. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Funding was also provided by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

October 15, 2023: 10 am to 5 pm at the Twin Cities Book Festival in Progress Center at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, Minnesota.  Sheila Packa will have an exhibitor table at the book fair.   

Spring 2024: Moving Words at the Aitkin Library - more details to be announced