Meet Poet John Thompson at State Library

Poet John Thompson will recite from his book County Poems of Iowa:  99 Voices, 99 Lives from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 in the first floor of the State Library, Ola Babcock Miller Building, E. 12th and Grand, Des Moines.  You are welcome to bring your lunch.

A fusion of Iowa history and poetry is how Thompson describes the book which includes poems composed by Thompson for each of Iowa's 99 counties. He spent two years visiting all 99 counties and was inspired for each county's poem by something unique to the county such as a person, place, event or characteristic.

When reading from the book, Thompson enjoys giving explanation and background to each verse as well as taking requests from audience members. Copies of 99 Voices, 99 Lives, County Poems of Iowa will be for sale at the reading and Thompson will also autograph copies. Admission is free and no reservations are required to attend the program.

The State Library also has a copy of his book in its collection. Find it in our online catalog at http://catalog.lib.state.ia.us/ or give us a call at 515-281-4102 or 800-248-4483.