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Image of Richard Blanco & Kim Dower with text about the event

WeHo Reads: Richard Blanco and Kim Dower

Virtual Program
2025-04-16 18:30:00 2025-04-16 20:00:00 America/Los_Angeles WeHo Reads: Richard Blanco and Kim Dower Join us for an inspiring National Poetry Month discussion between two celebrated poets whose work explores the intersection of identity, culture, and human connection. For adults. Virtual Program -

Wednesday, April 16
6:30pm - 8:00pm

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Join us for an inspiring National Poetry Month discussion between two celebrated poets whose work explores the intersection of identity, culture, and human connection. For adults.

In partnership with the City of West Hollywood, this event is free and available to watch via YouTube Live on the WeHo Arts channel: youtube.com/wehoarts. No registration required. RSVP for a reminder: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weho-reads-richard-blanco-and-kim-dower-in-conversation-tickets-1273303207169

What role does poetry play in shaping our sense of self and our connection to the world? How can poetic expression illuminate identity, belonging, and universal truths?

This engaging conversation will delve into their creative processes, their perspectives on poetry as a transformative art form, and the ways their experiences have shaped their work.

The event will feature:

  • Richard Blanco, the fifth Presidential Inaugural Poet, selected by President Obama, and a National Humanities Medal recipient. As a poet, memoirist, and advocate, Blanco’s work—including How To Love a Country and Homeland of My Body—reflects on cultural identity, belonging, and the human spirit, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition as a voice for diversity and justice. He was the first appointed Poet Laureate of Miami-Dade County.
  • Kim Dower, former City Poet Laureate of West Hollywood, whose six acclaimed poetry collections—including her newest, What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria as well as the bestselling I Wore This Dress Today for You, Mom—are known for blending humor and heartache, memory and loss. Dower’s work has appeared in Ploughshares, Rattle, and O Magazine and is included in major anthologies such as Wide Awake: Poets of Los Angeles and Beyond.

This dynamic exchange between two literary luminaries will offer insights into the transformative power of poetry and its ability to inspire both personal and collective change. Learn more at weho.org/wehoreads.

AGE GROUP: | Older Adults | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Books, Poetry, & Writing |

TAGS: | National Poetry Month |

West Hollywood Library
Phone: 310.652.5340
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About the branch

West Hollywood Library began service to the area (then unincorporated ) in 1913. The library was previously located at Sherman School, a cottage on Clark Street, a building on Westbourne Drive, and a building near the present site. The Library has an active Friends of the Library group.

The new library was dedicated October 1, 2011.

Upcoming events

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Soccer Watch Party: Final (teams TBD) - In-Person Program
Sun, Jul 19, 11:45am - 3:00pm
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BYO Book Club - In-Person Program
Mon, Jul 20, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
The BYO Book Club meets on the third Monday of the month and invites readers to gather for community without required reading. For adults.
Build a Claw Machine - In-Person Program
Tue, Jul 21, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Children's Theater
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RPG Dungeon Boss Maker - In-Person Program
Tue, Jul 21, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Do you play any popular tabletop role playing games? If so, join our RPG Dungeon Boss Maker program! We'll create stats, lore, and a design for a "boss monster" to run in your own games each month! We'll even provide a free, 3D printed miniature!
Baby & Toddler Storytime - In-Person Program
Wed, Jul 22, 11:15am - 11:35am
Meeting Room
Reading books and singing songs help develop babies' print awareness, reading skills, and fine motor skills. Join us for a session of stories, fingerplays, and more! For ages 0 - 2 with their parent or caregiver.
Naloxone (Narcan) and Fentanyl Strip Clinics - In-Person Program
Wed, Jul 22, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
We've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan). For all ages.
Teen Advisory Board - In-Person Program
Wed, Jul 22, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Study Room
Are you a teen interested in making a difference in your library and community? Join the Teen Advisory Board! For ages 13 - 17. Teen Study Room.
Basic Drop-In Tech Help - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 23, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Got a tech question? We’ve got you covered! Stop by our Drop-In Tech Help sessions for basic one-on-one assistance with your devices and digital questions, with no appointment needed. For adults.
Adult Art Program - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 23, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Join us for this month's adult art program where we'll be making our own collages! We'll provide all materials in advance. No artistic skills or experience necessary!   For Adults Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Smarty Pants Storytime - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 23, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Children's Theater
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
ESL Conversation Circle - In-Person Program
Fri, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Join us for conversation circle. We will meet to practice conversational English in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. For adults.
Speculative Fiction Book Club - In-Person Program
Fri, Jul 24, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Are you a fan of science fiction or fantasy? If so, you should join our Speculative Fiction Book Club!  For this month's meeting, we'll be reading "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. 
Animals and Plants of the Desert - In-Person Program
Tue, Jul 28, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Children's Theater
National parks are popular summer destinations. But not all parks are forests; some are deserts with unique wildlife! Learn about life in the desert by playing a memory game and exploring library resources about animals and plants. For ages 5 - 12.
LGBTQ+ Book Club Discussing The True True Story of Raja the Gullible by Rabih Alameddine - In-Person and Virtual Program
Tue, Jul 28, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room
Join the LGBTQ+ Book Club for a hybrid (in-person and online) discussion of The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine. For adults.
Baby & Toddler Storytime - In-Person Program
Wed, Jul 29, 11:15am - 11:35am
Meeting Room
Reading books and singing songs help develop babies' print awareness, reading skills, and fine motor skills. Join us for a session of stories, fingerplays, and more! For ages 0 - 2 with their parent or caregiver.
Naloxone (Narcan) and Fentanyl Strip Clinics - In-Person Program
Wed, Jul 29, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
We've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan). For all ages.
Mad Science: Fire and Ice - In-Person Program
Wed, Jul 29, 3:00pm - 3:55pm
Meeting Room
Experience a fun science show where we will learn about fire and combustion and see a dry ice demonstration!  For children.
Yoga for Toddlers - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 30, 11:15am - 11:45am
Meeting Room
Join us for a fun yoga session with instructor Petra Poschmann! Parents and toddlers will practice basic yoga poses inspired by nature and animals. For ages 0 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
Basic Drop-In Tech Help - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 30, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Got a tech question? We’ve got you covered! Stop by our Drop-In Tech Help sessions for basic one-on-one assistance with your devices and digital questions, with no appointment needed. For adults.
Yoga at the Library - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 30, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Meeting Room
Join certified instructor Petra Poschmann for a relaxing and restorative yoga session at the library. For adults.
Smarty Pants Storytime - In-Person Program
Thu, Jul 30, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Children's Theater
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
ESL Conversation Circle - In-Person Program
Fri, Jul 31, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Join us for conversation circle. We will meet to practice conversational English in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. For adults.
Writers Supporting Writers - In-Person Program
Sat, Aug 01, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Looking for a place to connect with fellow writers and grow your craft? Join Writers Supporting Writers! For adults.
Comedy Writing Workshop: Stand-Up Comedy 4 Self-Empowerment, Week 1 of 5 - In-Person Program
Sat, Aug 01, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room
In this five-class workshop, writer and comedian Christian Cintron will teach you the secrets of joke writing and comedy performance and how to use those to stand up for yourself, speak your truth, and rewrite your story. For adults.
Ooh-La-La Face Painting - In-Person Program
Tue, Aug 04, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Children's Theater
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Women and Books Discussing Finding Me by Viola Davis - In-Person and Virtual Program
Tue, Aug 04, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room
Join the book club for a hybrid (in-person and online) discussion of Finding Me by Viola Davis. For adults.
Baby & Toddler Storytime - In-Person Program
Wed, Aug 05, 11:15am - 11:35am
Children's Theater
Reading books and singing songs help develop babies' print awareness, reading skills, and fine motor skills. Join us for a session of stories, fingerplays, and more! For ages 0 - 2 with their parent or caregiver.
Naloxone (Narcan) and Fentanyl Strip Clinics - In-Person Program
Wed, Aug 05, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
We've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan). For all ages.
Basic Drop-In Tech Help - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 06, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Got a tech question? We’ve got you covered! Stop by our Basic Drop-In Tech Help sessions for basic one-on-one assistance with your devices and digital questions, with no appointment needed. For adults.
Brain Games - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 06, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room
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Smarty Pants Storytime - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 06, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Children's Theater
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
3D Fabric Art - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 06, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Meeting Room
Join art instructor Claudia Hindu in creating a wonderful piece of art using acrylic paints and fabric. For adults.
ESL Conversation Circle - In-Person Program
Fri, Aug 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
Join us for conversation circle. We will meet to practice conversational English in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. For adults.
Lifestyles of the Slimy & Squishy - In-Person Program
Fri, Aug 07, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room
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Drag Story Hour - In-Person Program
Sat, Aug 08, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Room
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Comedy Writing Workshop: Stand-Up Comedy 4 Self-Empowerment, Week 2 of 5 - In-Person Program
Sat, Aug 08, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room
In this five-class workshop, writer and comedian Christian Cintron will teach you the secrets of joke writing and comedy performance and how to use those to stand up for yourself, speak your truth, and rewrite your story. For adults.
Movie Monday: Hotel Artemis (2018) - In-Person Program
Mon, Aug 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Room
Join us for a screening of the 2018 film Hotel Artemis, starring Jodie Foster and directed by Drew Pearce. Rated R. For adults.
Baby & Toddler Storytime - In-Person Program
Wed, Aug 12, 11:15am - 11:35am
Meeting Room
Reading books and singing songs help develop babies' print awareness, reading skills, and fine motor skills. Join us for a session of stories, fingerplays, and more! For ages 0 - 2 with their parent or caregiver.
Naloxone (Narcan) and Fentanyl Strip Clinics - In-Person Program
Wed, Aug 12, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
We've partnered with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and California Department of Health Care Services to offer free doses of Naloxone (Narcan). For all ages.
Play & Explore - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 13, 11:15am - 11:45am
Meeting Room
Join us for a session of play, curiosity, and creativity with infant toys, art supplies, puppets, and more! For ages 0 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
Basic Drop-In Tech Help - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 13, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Got a tech question? We’ve got you covered! Stop by our Basic Drop-In Tech Help sessions for basic one-on-one assistance with your devices and digital questions, with no appointment needed. For adults.
Smarty Pants Storytime - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 13, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
Children's Theater
Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. For ages 2 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
Teen Designer Toy Maker Club - In-Person Program
Thu, Aug 13, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Teen Study Room
Curious about the world of designer toys? This is a great way to learn the trade; we’ll brainstorm our own toy design, sculpt it, and then have it 3D printed for your collection. We’ll design and receive a new toy each month! For teens age 13 – 17.
ESL Conversation Circle - In-Person Program
Fri, Aug 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Join us for conversation circle. We will meet to practice conversational English in a fun, informal, and supportive environment. For adults.
Comedy Writing Workshop: Stand-Up Comedy 4 Self-Empowerment, Week 3 of 5 - In-Person Program
Sat, Aug 15, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room
In this five-class workshop, writer and comedian Christian Cintron will teach you the secrets of joke writing and comedy performance and how to use those to stand up for yourself, speak your truth, and rewrite your story. For adults.
Card Games Saturday - in-Person Program
Sat, Aug 15, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
Do you like to play card games? If so, the West Hollywood Library is looking for people like you! Whether it be Cribbage, Bridge, or even Go Fish, we'll provide everything you need to play with friends! For adults. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room.
BYO Book Club - In-Person Program
Mon, Aug 17, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Room
The BYO Book Club meets on the third Monday of the month and invites readers to gather for community without required reading. For adults.
Yoga for Toddlers - In-Person Program
Tue, Aug 18, 11:15am - 11:45am
Meeting Room
Join us for a fun yoga session with instructor Petra Poschmann! Parents and toddlers will practice basic yoga poses inspired by nature and animals. For ages 0 - 5 with their parent or caregiver.
Yoga at the Library - In-Person Program
Tue, Aug 18, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Meeting Room
Join certified instructor Petra Poschmann for a relaxing and restorative yoga session at the library. For adults.
Activity Hour for Kids: Found Objects Mosaics - In-Person Program
Tue, Aug 18, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Children's Theater
Learn about mosaics from around the world and make your own mosaic with buttons, pebbles, and other small items. Supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own found objects. Recommended for ages 6 - 12.
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