New reading series in Ogden presents a night of poetry and prose
-
- The inaugural Railtown Readings is Friday, March 4, 2022, at the Weber County Main Library during Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll, featuring two celebrated authors and an open mic for writer of all levels and backgrounds to share original works.
-
- Utah’s Poet Laureate Paisley Rekdal will offer readings from her recent works at the first Railtown Readings by Weber Book Links.
-
- Weber State University professor and author Courtney Craggett will offer readings from her recent works at the first Railtown Readings by Weber Book Links.
A new reading series launches on March 4 during Ogden’s First Friday Art Stroll featuring Utah’s Poet Laureate Paisley Rekdal and Weber State University professor Courtney Craggett for its inaugural installment followed by an open mic and book signings.
Every quarter, Railtown Readings, hosted by Weber Book Links, Utah Humanities and the Weber County Library System will bring two celebrated writers to Ogden to offer readings from their original works and, afterward, an open mic welcomes writers of all levels to participate.
“Each reading will take place at the Weber County Main Library and showcase great writers and local voices,” stated Weber Book Links in a media release. Writers of all ages, backgrounds, interests and experience are invited to read original pieces in poetry, fiction, or nonfiction.
“We would like this reading series to be a boon to our local literary community, celebrating excellence in writing and encouraging all writers to share their work,” Weber Book Links said.
Weber Book Links is a local organization that facilitates and supports local literary events, including the local lineup for the Utah Humanities Book Festival.
Rekdal is an award-winning author of multiple books ranging from essays and memoirs to poetry collections and is a teacher at the University of Utah with featured work in notable publications such as The New York Times Magazine, the New Republic, Tin House and National Public Radio. Her most recent books include a book-length essay, “The Broken Country: On Trauma, a Crime, and the Continuing Legacy of Vietnam” and her fifth poetry collection, “Imaginary Vessels.”
Craggett is an award-winning author of creative fiction whose newest book, “Tornado Season” (2019), tackles immigration policy, deportation and other issues along the U.S.-Mexico border in a collection of short stories. Her short stories are featured in The Pinch, Mid-American Review, Washington Square Review, CutBank, Booth and others. Craggett earned a Ph.D. in creative writing and Mexican-American literature from the University of North Texas and is currently assistant professor of English at WSU.
At the end of the readings, The Queen Bee bookstore will have the visiting authors’ books for sale on site and invited writers will sign their books. The library will also have the books on display and available for checkout.
The first Railtown Readings begins at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the Weber County Main Library and is free and open to the public. For more information, follow Weber Books Links on Facebook and Instagram.