The Daily Bulletin Archive

“Before the seed there comes the thought of bloom,” wrote E. B. White. And this is what happened when Lisa Forrest, instructional technology librarian, had the idea to start the Rooftop Poetry Club in 2005.

During a celebration of National Poetry Month in April that year, Forrest heard library-goers say they wished the focus on poetry lasted longer than a month. So Forrest sent a few e-mails, posted some fliers, purchased refreshments, and initiated the first meeting of a poetry club at her favorite place in E. H. Butler Library—the rooftop. Only four people attended the first meeting.

But today, readings regularly have a few dozen attendees—sometimes upwards of 50. “I think most people can relate to poetry in some way,” said Forrest. “There are many creative people here on campus, so I think the Rooftop Poetry Club is a natural draw.”

While a variety of events—including guest poets from New York City and San Diego—are scheduled this spring, one of the more truly interactive activities is already under way. A Valentine’s Day–themed poetry contest called “Love Is a Four-Letter Word” allows anyone to submit an original poem via the club’s blog. The only catch: poems may not include the words “love” or “heart.” The winner will be announced during an open mike meeting on February 13.

Despite the group’s name, events are not always held on the rooftop—particularly not during colder months. Alternative meeting spots inside the library include room 210 and the International Students Reading Area in the southeast quadrant of the third floor, near the literature books. Otherwise, the second-floor area known as the “Rooftop Garden” provides a tranquil setting for readings.

Forrest poignantly described her love for the rooftop in an article titled “Up on the Roof—with Poets,” published in the October 2006 issue of American Libraries:

Those who are unfamiliar with rooftop gardens may not appreciate the poetic nature of such a space. But if you’ve ever sat up on a roof—away from the world, yet smack dab in the middle of it all—you can surely see how one might be drawn to read, write, and think in such a space.

The rooftop includes a stray painted bison from the Herd about Buffalo public art project of 2000 and occasionally some potted flowers, but Forrest says the place could otherwise benefit from a maintenance makeover. Nevertheless, recent meetings have been spruced up by local musicians who complement the readings. Also, thanks to published listings by poetry editor R. D. Pohl of the Buffalo News, attendees now regularly include local poets and other members of the community.

“I remember when Norma Kassirer and Irene Sipos read in August 2006,” said Forrest. “I thought it was going to be a smaller event. When more than 50 people showed up, that’s when it hit me that the Rooftop Poetry Club was really starting to catch on with people.”

With help from Dennis Reed Jr., webmaster and library communication specialist for Butler Library, the Rooftop Poetry Club boasts a sophisticated Web site complete with podcasts, photos, and member bios. Forrest said the site, like the club itself, serves as a marketing tool for the library.

“The Rooftop Poetry Club breaks down library anxiety,” she said. “Some students who came to club meetings said they didn’t ordinarily come to the library for help, and now feel more inclined to do so. When I’m working at the reference desk, sometimes a student will say, ‘Hey, you’re the poetry lady.’”

Forrest describes typical meetings as low-key, usually with tea and cookies, plenty of opportunities to network, and time at the end for open readings. Members have participated in unique projects during the past few years, including a hybrid art-poetry collaboration called “Slide,” where poets chose a handful of discarded 35 mm art slides from the library’s collection and wrote and recorded a poem to match. Videos of the projects are posted on YouTube.

Anyone may join the Rooftop Poetry Club at any time; the group is a mix of faculty, staff, students, and community members. Forrest said many come to meetings just to listen, while others “come out of their shells.” Forrest herself majored in science and initially enjoyed poetry as a hobby. This spring, local publisher BlazeVox will issue a book of Forrest’s poems.

“The beauty of this group is that it’s a mix of established and new writers,” said Forrest. “It’s definitely the furthest thing from being cliquey or snobby. You can talk about anything through poetry, and it’s a safe forum to discuss things you otherwise might not feel comfortable expressing in ordinary speak. The Rooftop Poetry Club gives people voices. It’s the people’s forum.”