May 20

Second Tuesday Poetry

An Evening of Poetry featuring Brad Buchanan & Paloma Contreras

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 pm | Doors open 6:30 pm Location: Bookish Modesto Admission: Free and open to the public Refreshments available for purchase.

BRAD BUCHANAN

Brad Buchanan is a retired English professor and poet laureate–endorsed writer who earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and chaired the English Department at Sacramento State University. His poetry, fiction, and scholarly articles have appeared in more than 200 journals, and his first two poetry collections received Writer’s Digest awards. A two-time blood cancer survivor and stem cell transplant recipient, he is the author of eight books, including a medical memoir and four collections of poetry. His latest poetry collection, Birds of Poverty Ridge, was published by Finishing Line Press earlier this year. His website is bradthechimera.com.

PALOMA CONTRERAS

headshot Paloma Contreras

Paloma Contreras is a young poet who loves reading and teaching adults. She is currently studying for a graduate degree in Translation to translate written art for a living. Paloma is a member of the Stanislaus county Grito de Mujer® team. Grito de Mujer® is an international, United Nations-supported month-long program of readings, art events, and workshops that raise awareness of issues related to gender-based violence and oppression. 

Second Tuesday Poetry: Brad Buchanan and Paloma Contreras

Second Tuesday Poetry

An Evening of Poetry featuring Brad Buchanan & Paloma Contreras

Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 pm | Doors open 6:30 pm Location: Bookish Modesto Admission: Free and open to the public Refreshments available for purchase.

BRAD BUCHANAN

Brad Buchanan is a retired English professor and poet laureate–endorsed writer who earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and chaired the English Department at Sacramento State University. His poetry, fiction, and scholarly articles have appeared in more than 200 journals, and his first two poetry collections received Writer’s Digest awards. A two-time blood cancer survivor and stem cell transplant recipient, he is the author of eight books, including a medical memoir and four collections of poetry. His latest poetry collection, Birds of Poverty Ridge, was published by Finishing Line Press earlier this year. His website is bradthechimera.com.

 

 

 

 

PALOMA CONTRERAS

headshot Paloma Contreras

Paloma Contreras is a young poet who loves reading and teaching adults. She is currently studying for a graduate degree in Translation to translate written art for a living. Paloma is a member of the Stanislaus Grito de Mujer® team. Grito de Mujer is an international, United Nations-supported month-long program of readings, art events, and workshops to raise awareness of gender-equity issues. 

May 17

Free Workshop – The Turn, The Pause, The Twist: Poetic Forms Lightning Rounds

The Turn, The Pause, The Twist: A Poetic Forms Lightning Round Saturday, July 11 | 1–3 PM Salida Public Library | 4835 Sisk Rd., Salida, CA 95368 | (209) 543-7353

What makes a poem crackle with energy? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the volta, the caesura, and the zeugma and see how they create tension, surprise, and resonance — and put them to work in your own writing.

Join poet Stella Beratlis, 2016-2020 Modesto poet laureate and author of Alkali Sink and Dust Bowl Venus, for an afternoon of craft, play, and discovery. Whether you’re new to formal poetics or looking to sharpen your toolkit, this lightning round is designed to spark something on the page. We’re having fun in this workshop; knowledge of poetic forms is NOT in any way required–all levels welcome!

Just bring a notebook and pen — no RSVP required. Free and open to the public.

MoSt Summer Workshop – The Turn, The Pause, The Twist: Poetic Forms Lightning Rounds

The Turn, The Pause, The Twist: A Poetic Forms Lightning Round Saturday, July 11 | 1–3 PM Salida Public Library | 4835 Sisk Rd., Salida, CA 95368 | (209) 543-7353

What makes a poem crackle with energy? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the volta, the caesura, and the zeugma and see how they create tension, surprise, and resonance — and put them to work in your own writing.

Join poet Stella Beratlis, past poet laureate of Modesto and author of poetry collections Alkali Sink and Dust Bowl Venus, for an afternoon of craft, play, and discovery. Whether you’re new to formal poetics or looking to sharpen your toolkit, this lightning round is designed to spark something on the page. We’re having fun in this workshop; knowledge of poetic forms is NOT in any way required–so all levels welcome.

Just bring a notebook and pen — no RSVP required. Free and open to the public.

May 17

Free Workshop – Using Your Voice: Reading Poems Aloud to Share Their Essence

MoSt Summer Poetry Workshop——Salida Library——June 13, 2026——1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

 Using Your Voice:  Reading Poems Aloud to Share Their Essence

  How do we let the language in a poem come alive and share its truths when we read it aloud?  How do we create an energy that lets people want to listen?  (Hint:  practice, practice, practice…). Join MoSt board member Gary Thomas for this generative workshop writing poetry drafts while exploring a poem’s voice and our voices——without using “Poet Voice.”  Intrigued?  Writing supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite pen, pad, tablet, and vocal warmups!