Home to a remarkable array of avian life, The Huntington’s gardens serve as the perfect setting for an afternoon of observing, listening, and celebrating birds and other non-human species with readings by Priyanka Kumar, author of Conversations with Birds; Eloise Klein Healy, L.A.’s inaugural Poet Laureate and life-long birdwatcher; and award-winning two-spirit poet Julian Talamantez Brolaski, lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for Juan & the Pines.

An event for the whole family (including those with fur, feathers, and scales). Join us on May 9 at 6 p.m. ET to meet:

AIMEE NEZHUKUMATATHIL’s chihuahua,
FRANCISCO CANTU’s chicken,
PAM HOUSTON’s donkey, and
SY MONTGOMERY’s neighbor “Fire Chief,” a 60 year-old snapping turtle

Plus, JANE GOODALL on why she fell in love with animals and more.

This special event, which features actors, artists, and leaders from across culture, celebrates poetry’s important place in our society and its impact on the lives of readers.

Hosted by

Richard Blanco, Academy of American Poets Education Ambassador

& Kimiko Hahn, Academy of American Poets Chancellor

Readings from

Andrew Bird

Alan Cumming

Ethan Hawke

Emily Igwike, National Student Poet

Daniel Dae Kim

Eric Kim

Ada Limón, U.S. Poet Laureate

John Lithgow

Shantell Martin

Liam Neeson

Molly Shannon

& Malala Yousafzai

This is the first in a series of six online sessions made possible by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature. There is no fee for attending these sessions, they are a gift to all writers to take away and use in their work with the goal of exploring climate action through fiction. Special guest host for the evening is author Kerri ní Dochartaigh, who will be joined by author Doreen Cunningham.

The zoom link for the session will be sent closer to the event.

Minnesota author Bill Holm’s brilliant essay collection from his year in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province in the mid-1980s, Coming Home Crazy, will be celebrated by the Minnesota Chapter of the USCPFA (US-China Peoples Friendship Association), together with the work’s publisher, Milkweed Editions. Reflections on the essays from the collection, remembrances from colleagues of Holm in China and Minnesota, and appreciations of the Minnesota-Shaanxi Sister State/Province relationship of 40+ years will be shared over tea. Please register here. 

This event is presented by USCPFA-MN & Milkweed Editions.

Join Claire for a reading from her title Meltwater.

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day at Milkweed Books with special one-day-only promotions, exclusive signed stock from our authors, and delightful snacks and sips! We invite you to stop in, shop from our array of books and broadsides, pick up a free packet of Perennial Wildflower seeds with any purchase of two or more books (while supplies last), and share in the joy and community of local independent bookstores during one of the biggest annual events in the bookselling world! Sign up to become a Milkweed member to receive an exclusive tote bag and member discount! Learn more about Milkweed…

Join Beth for her discussion on Food & the Environment — Sustainable Food for the Future.

A book signing will take place after the discussion!