Poetry in motion
04 Nov 2024
The prestigious Northern Poetry Library has moved to a new home after being split up when it was damaged by the Morpeth floods of 2008.
One of the largest collections of poetry outside of London, some of the works were found a temporary home at Morpeth Chantry, but due to lack of space the rest had to go into storage and were not accessible to the public.
Now the Northern Poetry Library is back to its former glory, fully accessible and based at the new Morpeth Library, in Morpeth Sports and Leisure Centre.
To mark the move and as part of Northumberland Libraries’ ‘Our Century of Stories’ 100th birthday celebrations (funded by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England) a poetry competition was also held.
Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Libraries, said: “ We were delighted to have had so many entries to display in our newly reunited Poetry Library.
“The 2008 floods were devastating and unfortunately some of the works were lost. As custodians of such important poetry, we are thrilled the collection has a new, safe home.
“Participants were invited to share their poems inspired by their experiences and memories of the library service. In fact, a common thread running through entries was how much it means to residents to have libraries and librarians in their local communities.
“Today our free library services are a far cry from 100 years ago – with digital copies of books, magazines and newspapers, access to IT facilities and meeting spaces as well as clubs and activities for everyone.”
Judged by Northumberland poet, Katrina Porteous, the winner received a bottle of Laureate's Choice Sherry donated by the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage.
The winning poems, along with all entries to the competition, are on display in the Northern Poetry Library. They will also be made available as an ebook to view in Northumberland Libraries Borrowbox digital library.
First prize winner was Anna Halsall with “Wednesday Morning in the Library”; second prize, Susan Brownless “Library Whisperings”; and third Elaine Cusack with “Library Bindings”.
‘Our Century of Stories’ centres on sharing stories and memories of what the library service has meant to people in the county, particularly residents in the more remote areas.
*Any local poetry enthusiasts who would be interested in volunteering their time to support the ongoing development of the Northern Poetry collection are invited to contact Morpeth Library for further information.