You are invited to join the Kinsley Library and Humanities Kansas for a beginner-friendly bird and poetry walk oriented to connecting with the more-than-human world. It will be held on Saturday evening, September 11 at 6 p.m. at the Weaver home, 1588 P Rd, southeast of Kinsley (corner of P Rd and 160 Ave.)
This evening is for adults and includes a picnic dinner on a beautiful prairie hill. Participants who plan on attending need to reserve a place by calling the library, 620-659-3341. The event is free and open to the public.
“I enjoy having people on my hill,” said library director Joan Weaver. “It is mowed and we’ll be gathering under a large mulberry tree to share tips for those new to birding and also offer some new possibilities for engaging with and within our common natural home.”
Everyone who attends the event will receive a copy of the chapbook, “Words of a Feather” published by Humanities Kansas. Megan Kaminski, who edited the book, will be on hand to facilitate the discussion. She is a poet and teaches poetry and environmental humanities and arts at the University of Kansas.
“This spring, I asked eleven local citizens to read and comment on a poem or bird in the book’s collection,” said Weaver. “Interested people can watch their short videos on the library website, www.kinsleylibrary.info to hear the poems within the book.”
Also leading the event will be Molly Zahn who will offer advice and information on birding. She teaches religious studies at KU and leads guided bird walks in her spare time.
It is hoped that this humanities event, which is centered around birds and poetry and is happening in a natural bird habitat, will spark a discussion about fostering relationships of care and mutuality.
“This is an outdoor event (good in these Covid times), and those who wish to attend should dress appropriately,” continued Weaver. “It is a gently walk up the hill, and I do ask people to wear shoes not sandals. We will be able to drive those with mobility issues up the hill to the mulberry tree.”
This Kinsley Library event is made possible through Humanities Kansas with additional funding by the Kinsley-Offerle Recreation Commission.
For more information and to register, contact the library at 659-3341 or come by 208 E. 8th St. Library hours are: Mon. and Wed. from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., and Fri. from 9-11 a.m., 1-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.
