Fun Fact Friday with Special Collections

National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry that happens each April. It was started in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry and poets in the United States.

Did you know about poetry in the collections? There are several collections that contain original poetry written by people with an Acadiana connection.

• Dr. Bernice Webb was a professor of English, a biographer, and poet. Originally born in Kansas, she taught at UL Lafayette from 1961-1987. She published a book of poetry entitled “Mating Dance: Search, Disillusionment & Yearning, Closure: Poems”. Her collection, Collection 168, includes several of her works.
• Ruth Jones Rabel was born in Acadiana. She was a teacher who published five historical novels and various poetry. Her collection, Collection 312, includes 25 poems and short stories.
• More poetry can be found in Collection 473, the Emile LeBrenton Collection, which contains typed poetry written by Emile LeBrenton.
• In addition to these collections, hundreds of books of poetry housed in the Louisiana Room collection, including writings by Darrell Bourque, who has twice been the Poet Lauriat of Louisiana.

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