Montecito Library: Poetry, Mah Jongg, and More to Come

After a hiatus of a few years, the Montecito Poetry Club returned to the Montecito Library last month. Kicking off in 2014, and led by poetry lover and devoted library volunteer, Carole Baral, the Montecito Poetry Club was a beloved program that met each month in the Montecito Community Hall. The concept was simple. Each month Carole would select a poet, learn about the poet’s life, and gather a sampling of poems for the group to read and discuss. I had the honor of attending a number of these meetings and was struck by Carole’s enthusiasm for not just the written word, but for the process of making poems. Carole’s passion was infectious and the discussions were lively. From 2014 to 2022 Carole covered 80 poets ranging from Robert Frost to Santa Barbara’s Poet Laureate, Emma Trelles (2021-2023). When Carole moved to Arizona, the Montecito Poetry Club was handed over to Montecito Library staff member, Carli. Channeling Carole’s poetic spirit, Carli thrived in taking deep dives into the lives of the poets the group read each month. Carli’s poet biographies are legendary – the photographs and narrative, the care with which she studied the poets’ lives. These biographies deepened the monthly poetry discussions. After Carli left the library to pursue other passions, the Montecito Poetry Club faded into the sunset…that is until last month. 

Kicking off the third iteration of the Montecito Poetry Club, we invited current Santa Barbara Poet Laureate, George Yatchisin, to be our featured poet. Eighteen eager poetry enthusiasts sat in a circle reading George’s poems aloud, discussing his poems, and asking George questions about the inspiration behind them. George also talked about some of the projects he’s working on as Santa Barbara’s 11th Poet Laureate, including a new anthology of poems by local poets celebrating food and drink in Santa Barbara, due out this April and published by Gunpowder Press. The Montecito Poetry Club meets every other month and the next meeting will be held on April 15 (April poet is TBD). 

Other Montecito Library programs in the lineup include a memoir writing workshop led by poet, writer, and teacher, Diana Raab, on March 18. Diana’s publishing record is impressive and her classes at Godmothers Books are in high demand. And if Mah Jongg is more your thing, then you are in luck! This April, the Friends of the Montecito Library are hosting a series of classes, “Learn to Play Mah Jongg for Beginners in Four Easy Lessons.” The first class will be on April 20. Experienced instructors Cynthia McClelland and Sandra Walther will guide participants through the fundamentals of American-style Mah Jongg. Along the way, they’ll also explore the game’s rich history and learn the etiquette that makes playing both fun and rewarding. Registration is required and is limited to 16 participants. (NOTE: Please register only if you can attend all four lessons. While most beginners learn the game relatively quickly, it typically takes several lessons to understand the somewhat complex rules.) Also returning this April is Tech Coaching at Montecito Library. Looking to learn how to download free audiobooks and eBooks from the library? Want to learn how to navigate your new tablet? A Tech Coach will be available Wednesdays from 12-2 pm. To make a 45-minute appointment, give us a call at 805-969-5063.  

Upcoming Events:

All events listed take place at Montecito Library (1469 East Valley Rd.) Open Tuesday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm & Saturday 10 am to 2 pm. All SBPL locations are closed on Tuesday, March 31.

EARLY CHILDHOOD: Stay and Play, Tuesdays | 9-10:30 am

ADULTS: Knit ‘n’ Needle Thursdays | 2-3:30 pm

ADULTS: Everyone Has a Story: A Memoir Writing Workshop with Diana Raab Wednesday, March 18 | 10 am to 12 pm

ADULTS: Montecito Book Club Tuesday, March 24 | 2-3 pm | Meets every fourth Tuesday of the month.

All Montecito Library programs are free and open to the public, although some require registration. 

Learn more at: calendar.library.santabarbaraca.gov