Nebraska State Poet to give presentation at Library

HARTINGTON — The Hartington Public Library is hosting Nebraska’s State Poet, Matt Mason, at the library, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m., and the public is invited to attend.

Nebraska native Matt Mason was named Nebraska’s third State Poet in 2019 and will reign until November of 2023. As State Poet, one of Mason’s goals is to participate in poetry events in all 93 Nebraska counties.

Mason has published eight books of poetry. Writing about fatherhood, relationships, religion and themes of the Midwest and Great Plains life. Mason’s early work gave him a reputation as a humorous poet, but he has written drama, and tragedy as well. Over his career he has received several awards for his work including a Pushcart Prize and two Nebraska Book Awards.

He has also worked internationally through the U.S. State Department, promoting poetry in Botswana, Romania, Nepal, and Belarus. On these trips around the world, Mason focused on teaching slam poetry to high school students. He is a vocal advocate of Nebraska arts and has a passion to bring his home state to the wider world. In the library’s collection are Mason’s works entitled “I Have a Poem the Size of the Moon,” and Things We Don’t Know We Don’t Know” and on order is his newest book “Rock Stars” that will be released on Sept. 5th.

Join us at the library for his poetry readings, experiences and stories, refreshments will be served.