LIBERTY, NY — A wide variety of topics and writing styles marked the program of the Liberty Museum & Arts Center’s 19th annual Poetry Festival, held in September at the museum, located on South Main Street.

“[It had] something for everyone to enjoy,” organizers said.

Poets traveled from downstate, New York City, local areas and Pennsylvania to share works on such topics as “A Bed of Nails,” strawberry jam, and rocks of the Erie Canal. Some poems rhymed, some did not. Either way, “everyone was left smiling” following an offering of limericks and humorous wit. 

Following the readings, attendees enjoyed refreshments and socializing with the poets.

This event started in 2007, when then-Liberty Poet Laureate Walter Keller gathered a group of poets at the museum to share aloud some original works.

Since 2014, Marilyn Laufer, current Liberty Poet Laureate, has carried on Keller’s tradition and expanded it.

During COVID, the Liberty Public Library offered its meeting rooms and Zoom equipment so the festival could continue without interruption.

“Thank you to all who helped make this year’s festival another successful happening,” organizers said. “We look forward to seeing you all at [next year’s] event next fall.”