American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities

Kentucky

Tracy K. Smith conducts a reading and discussion at the Men’s Addiction Recovery Campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. March 16, 2018. Credit: Shawn Miller.

From March 16-17, 2018, Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith traveled to rural communities in Kentucky as a pilot for “American Conversations.” On this site you’ll find photos, audio, press, and reflections from her time on the road.

To take a deeper dive into Tracy K. Smith’s visit to Kentucky, listen to “Making ‘American Conversations’: Part 3,” the third episode in a special three-part series of the Library of Congress’ “From the Catbird Seat” podcast that chronicles the origins of the poet laureate’s project. Tune in via our podcast page or your preferred podcast app.

• View Kentucky photo gallery
• Listen to interviews with Kentucky community members
• Learn more about Kentucky venues and partners
• Explore Kentucky press coverage

Events

• Friday, March 16, 2:30 p.m.
  Bowling Green, KY
  Private event
  Men’s Addiction Recovery Campus (MARC)
• Friday, March 16, 6 p.m.
  Glasgow, KY
  South Central Kentucky Cultural Center
• Saturday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.
  New Haven, KY
  Nelson County Public Library—New Haven Branch