“Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.” – poets.org

Next in our celebration of National Poetry Month, Professor Eleanor Ehrenkranz of Pace University will speak at the Library on Thursday, April 25, from 2-3:30 p.m. Dr. Ehrenkranz will read from and discuss her recently published anthology, “Explaining Life: The Wisdom of Modern Jewish Poetry – 1960-2010.”  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.  Regarding Ehrenkranz’s book, actress Tovah 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.

We hope you'll join us on April 25 for this fascinating program.