The Monhegan Memorial Library is delighted to announce that we are hosting inaugural poet Richard Blanco on Monhegan Island. His program will consist of two events on Saturday, July 9: a Q & A for Writers at 10:30 a.m. (advance sign up required) and a Poetry Reading and Book Signing at the Monhegan Church at 7:30 p.m.

When Richard Blanco spoke at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, he was the first Latino and first gay poet to do so. As someone who was, in his words, “made in Cuba, assembled in Spain, and imported to the U.S.” and now living in Maine, Richard Blanco both encompasses and redefines what it means to be American. Blanco’s ties to these disparate locations imbue his poetry with questions of place and belonging. The author of three anthologies as well as two memoirs, his work has been called “a societal call to action for the soul and spirit.” (Tim Gunn)

Mr. Blanco has won numerous awards and been featured on “CBS Sunday Morning” and NPR’s “Fresh Air.” He also presented a poem at the historic opening of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.

This is the pilot program of the MML Distinguished Writers Series, and is supported by a grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. All events are free of charge. Ferries to Monhegan run from three locations daily.

For information, contact Mia Boynton, 207-596-0549, monheganmemoriallibrary@gmail.com