April is National Poetry Month! In celebration of poetry, we're offering two inspiring programs. We hope you'll join us for one or both.

Professor Lee Schlesinger returns to the Library on Sunday afternoon, April 7, from 2:00-4:00 PM, with a timely talk on ”The Power of Poetry and Literature in Troubled Times.”  Dr. Schlesinger defends the value and meaning of poetry and literature in our stressful, technology-driven world, with examples of enduring works that lift the spirit and illuminate the soul. (Special thanks to the Friends of White Plains Public Library for making this lecture possible.)

Dr. Schlesinger is an Associate Professor of Literature in the School of Humanities at Purchase College where he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A published poet and novelist, he has taught creative writing and literature at Purchase for more than 35 years. In addition to teaching, he has lectured widely throughout the region—including in past years at the White Plains Library–and is known for his passion, insight and humor.  Professor Schlesinger holds a Ph.D. in Literature from Yale University and a B.A. from Brandeis University.

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Professor Eleanor Ehrenkranz of Pace University will read from and discuss her recently published anthology, “Explaining Life: The Wisdom of Modern Jewish Poetry – 1960-2010,” on Thursday afternoon, April 25, from 2:00-3:30 PM.  Her collection features American, Israeli and Yiddish poets, including Stanley Kunitz, Yehuda Amichai, Louise Gluck, Marge Piercy and Robert Pinsky, dealing with themes of love, loss, war, family relationships and renewal.  In reviewing one aspect of the book, actress Tova Feldshuh commented: “Eleanor Ehrenkranz’ anthology encapsulates the agony of the Middle East in distilled images that pierce the heart.”

At Pace, Dr. Ehrenkranz teaches critical reading and writing with a focus on film. She received a Ph.D. in English Literature from New York University where she also taught. She has lectured extensively on Jewish literature throughout Westchester County and currently writes book reviews for Jewish Book World.

Refreshments will be served. Please feel free to bring friends – all are welcome!

(Thanks to Barbara Wenglin for her considerable assistance with this post.)