A group of students is inviting students and community members to celebrate National Poetry Month.

On April 17 at 7 p.m. at University Java on the Missouri Southern campus, students will be giving a poetry reading. The students will read their favorite poems.

Dr. Joy Dworkin, professor of English and philosophy, is the faculty sponsor for this event.

The idea to give a poetry reading in celebration of National Poetry Month was discussed by her World Poetry class. The class has been working to coordinate the event.

Next week, the campus sidewalks will be chalked with lines or stanzas of poems to announce the upcoming poetry reading.

The event is free to students and the public, and anyone interested is encouraged to attend.