Tulsa Library To Feature Oklahoma Artists, Artists, & Vendors For 2nd VERSES Event

The Tulsa Library will be holding its second"VERSES" event in September.

It’s described as a fund-and-awareness raiser featuring local artists, vendors, poets, and authors. Event organizer Mandy Durham dropped by the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to talk about how community members can apply to be a part of VERSES.

What inspired VERSES? Who started the event?

"We started VERSES last year as a new way to promote the literacy program and engage the community in what we're doing," said Durham "I was inspired by the increased sense of community-mindedness I've seen in the Tulsa arts and creative scenes over the past four or five years. That has encouraged a lot of DIY arts spaces, grassroots organizations, and mutual aid groups. I saw community and connection being prioritized over profit in those spaces, and I think that's very much in line with our values in the literacy program. We wanted to create an event that encouraged that kind of engagement, so we started by reaching out to local artists and authors about what we wanted to do. They understood the idea right away."

What can attendees expect?

"Attendees can expect a really fun, unique event! We take over the lower level of Central Library with vendors and performers spread throughout the Tandy Garden and adjacent indoor areas. You can eat, shop, meet a lot of amazing local creative folks, relax in the garden, bid on items in the auction, and just enjoy the unique experience of seeing Central Library transformed for an evening! Plus, you can leave knowing you supported a really important community program."

How do you feel the VERSES event benefits the community?

"It's a way for people to discover and support local artists, vendors, and authors. It's also a way for people to show up and support the library and the literacy program and to learn more about what we're doing and how they can get involved."

The event takes place at Central Library on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 6-9 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Thursday August 1.

Learn more about VERSES at www.tulsalibrary.org/VERSES and more about the Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service at www.tulsalibrary.org/literacy.