Beyond the Page: Altadena Poets Laureate Bring Poetry into the Heart of the Community

Become.

Be art.

Belong.

That is the theme of the new series that launches this week when Altadena Poets Laureate Rhonda Mitchell and Shahé Mankerian bring together poets, writers, and Altadenans to celebrate poetry, community, and creative voices on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Altadena Community Center.

"We believe poetry belongs not only in books and on stages, but in the everyday lives of our neighbors,” said Mankerian. “We want to create spaces where people can listen to one another, discover their own voices, and see how words can unite a community."

Local poets Elline Lipkin, Anna Mixtlan, and Gayle Nicholls-Ali will read their work, followed by a panel discussion on what it means to build and sustain community through poetry and the arts. The afternoon also features a short, hands-on writing workshop for everyone ready to put pen to paper.

Mankerian and Mitchell also will preview the series of workshops and open-mic events they have planned for the upcoming 2026-2027 season, the first of the two-year tenure served by the Poets Laureate.

What began as an event with 12 poets and cookies at the Altadena Library has grown into a community program that has honored creativity and promoted poets, poetry and literature in Altadena and beyond for more than 20 years.

"Three things guide my work: Literacy, libraries, and community,” said Mitchell. “Poetry teaches us to choose our words with precision, express our truth, and make meaning from our experiences. Libraries connect us to knowledge, services, and resources. When a community has access to both, it is better equipped to advocate for itself, shape its own narrative, and ensure its voice cannot be erased. That is why programs like this matter.”

The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available onsite. The Altadena Community Center is located at 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001.

What: Altadena Poets Laureate Series Launch Event
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001
Why Attend: The event is free, open to the public and will be a joyous gathering for everyone who wants to spend an afternoon with local poets, hear brave new work, join the community conversation, and try their hand at writing in a welcoming, safe space.