In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Bangor Public Library is hosting the twelfth annual POETS/SPEAK!, Wednesday, April 23 from 4:15-8 p.m.

POETS/SPEAK! is one of the largest free poetry events in Maine. This year will feature more than 25 well-known and emerging poets, University of Maine student poets, local Poetry Outloud winners, and book sales and signings.

Live jazz will be provided by saxophonist Jay Bregman and the Swingmatism Quintet from 4:15-4:50 p.m., and this year also features an homage to the late social, political, and environmental activist poets Amiri Baraka, Maxine Kumin, and José Emilio Pacheco.

According to the event coordinator, Orono poet and University of Maine lecturer in English Kathleen Ellis, this year’s event will include well-known poets Lee Sharkey, Dave Morrison, Belfast Poet Laureate Ellen Sander, François Amar, Linda Buckmaster, Jason Canniff, Jacob Fricke, Elizabeth Garber, Bea Gates, Leonore Hildebrandt, Annaliese Jakamides, Carl Little, Stefania Irene Marthakis, Lisa Panepinto, Bruce Pratt, and many others.

Light refreshments will be available, and the event is free to the public. For additional information, call 581-3845 or 947-8336. Bangor Public Library is a founding member of Bangor Arts, a collaboration inviting the public to discover and enjoy the excitement of Bangor’s world of art and culture.