The Irving Public Library, the Irving Independent School District, and Texas Woman’s University are collaborating to host the fourth annual Texas Poetry Festival, a one-day event featuring nationally and locally recognized poets and poetry activities. The festival will take place at Ranchview High School on Saturday, April 1, during National Poetry Month. It includes morning workshops for educators and librarians and an afternoon full of poetry activities for participants of all ages. Events are scheduled for children, teens, adults, and families.

The morning’s activities begin with an educator conference full of workshops held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for teachers, librarians, and other professionals interested in learning more about how to introduce children and teens to poetry. The conference registration fee is $25 for registrations received by March 20, and $35 for on-site registration. The fee includes lunch. The featured guest and keynote speaker will be acclaimed author and poet Kristine O’Connell George, author of Hummingbird Nest, Fold Me a Poem, Little Dog Poems and The Great Frog Race & Other Poems. Workshop presenters include Poetry Alive! and Will Richey. Books will be available for purchase and autographing (cash or checks only, please).

    The free afternoon festival from 1 to 3:30 p.m. will offer poetry performances and activities for all ages, including an entertaining performance by Eddie Coker. In addition, award-winning Spoken Word artists Will Richey and Black Wax will host open-mic session for teens.

    The mission of the Texas Poetry Festival is to celebrate poetry in all its different forms, to assist educators in teaching poetry in the classroom and to make poetry accessible for Texans of all ages to enjoy.

    For more information, call (972) 721-2530.