April 2025 Event Lineup: A Month Packed with Literature, Community, and Poetry!

Spring is in the air, and at Firefly Bookstore, we’re thrilled to bring you a bustling schedule of events this April! Whether you're a fan of poetry, an aspiring writer, a board game enthusiast, or simply looking to connect with your local literary community, we have something special for you. Here’s a rundown of everything happening this month:

National Poetry Month Events

April is National Poetry Month, and we are celebrating with multiple exciting events that feature established poets and emerging voices alike.

Monday, April 14 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Women’s Voices Poetry Night

Join us as we highlight diverse poetry from three remarkable women authors. Our featured poets include:

• Marjorie Maddox – Maddox is an award-winning author of 13 poetry collections, including Seeing Things, Transplant, Transport, Transubstantiation (nominated for a Pulitzer Prize), and Begin with a Question. Her work explores the intersection of the everyday and the extraordinary, often touching on themes of memory, illness, and the human experience. 
• Sandra Fees – Fees is the author of The Temporary Vase of Hands and Moving, Being Moved, as well as her most recent collection, Wonderwork. Her poetry delves into the intricacies of grief, faith, and the beauty of everyday moments. As a Unitarian Universalist minister and spiritual leader, Fees brings a unique perspective to her work, exploring themes of spirituality, resilience, and belonging. 
• Tabassam Shah – Shah is an emerging poet whose debut collection, Red & Crescent Moons, explores the intersection of Appalachian and Muslim identities, navigating the complexities of cultural heritage, tradition, and modernity. Shah’s work reflects her experiences growing up in a multicultural environment, where she often felt caught between worlds.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Thursday, April 17 (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM) – An Evening with John Yamrus

Celebrated poet John Yamrus returns to Firefly to introduce his newest work, Don’t Shoot the Messenger: Just Give Him a Good Place to Hide. Known for his minimalist and neo-noir poetry style, Yamrus brings over 50 years of experience and 30+ published works to the table. This event is BYOB for 21+ attendees. Note that some content may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Monday, April 21 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Love and Poetry Have No Limits

This special event focuses on LGBTQ+ voices in poetry. Our featured poets include:

• Jayne Brown – Author of My First Real Tree, a deeply personal collection exploring relationships, loss, and identity. Brown’s work has been widely published in LGBTQ+ journals and anthologies, and her poetry is known for its raw honesty and emotional depth. Her writing often navigates the complexities of family, love, and belonging, providing a compassionate voice for marginalized communities.
• Robin Gow – Author of Lanternfly August and several other works that blend vivid imagery with themes of transformation and self-discovery. Gow is a transgender poet and activist whose work celebrates the beauty and pain of growing into one’s authentic self. Their poetry has appeared in numerous journals, and they serve as an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, offering workshops and mentorship to emerging queer writers.
• Jinx Leonard – A rising voice in contemporary queer poetry, Leonard’s work explores identity, urban life, and the nuanced intersection of love and survival. Leonard is known for their performances at LGBTQ+ spoken word events across the East Coast and brings an energetic, thought-provoking voice to the literary community.
• Nico Sica – An emerging poet whose work reflects the intersections of culture, queerness, and diaspora. Sica’s first chapbook, Infinite Borders, delves into the struggles of navigating identity in a multicultural society while embracing the beauty of complexity.

An Open Mic session will follow for attendees to share their own work. Refreshments will be served, and BYOB is available for 21+ attendees.

Thursday, April 24 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Featured Poet Christopher Clauss & Open Mic

We are delighted to welcome Christopher Clauss for the first time! His work, Photosynthesis & Respiration, explores life, love, and science through the lens of relationships. After his reading, the floor will be open for attendees to share their own work during our Open Mic session.

Monday, April 28 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Local Poetry Reflections

To conclude National Poetry Month, we’re celebrating local poets with an evening featuring readings from three accomplished authors:

• Robert Fillman – Author of House Bird (Terrapin Books, 2022), the chapbook November Weather Spell (Main Street Rag, 2019), and the forthcoming collection The Melting Point (Broadstone Books, April 2025). Fillman’s work has been widely published and he teaches at Kutztown University.
• Brandon Krieg – Author of Magnifier, winner of the 2019 Colorado Prize for Poetry, as well as In the Gorge and Invasives. His work will be featured in Attached to the Living World: A New Ecopoetry Anthology (Trinity University Press, 2025). Krieg teaches at Kutztown University, and Users with Access: New and Selected Stories will be released by Cornerstone Press on April 15.
• Phil Repko – A poet whose work is rooted in the literary canon but also reflects contemporary trends and the millennial perspectives of his sons, with whom he has written each April to celebrate National Poetry Month.

This event will be a night of diverse voices and reflections. Light refreshments will be served.

Special Author Events

April 12 (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM) – Jeffrey A. Dengler, Paranormal Investigator

Join paranormal author Jeffrey A. Dengler as he shares his newest work, The Homestead Haunting of the Oley Valley, alongside his previous titles. Dengler is an established author and investigator specializing in supernatural phenomena, historical hauntings, and local folklore. His work bridges the line between fact and eerie speculation, as he meticulously researches historical records to piece together chilling stories.

The Homestead Haunting of the Oley Valley delves into the chilling events that unfolded in an otherwise quiet Pennsylvania community, where unexplained occurrences and ghostly apparitions left an indelible mark. Dengler will discuss his research methods, offer insights into his investigative process, and answer questions from curious attendees.

April 19 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) – L. Ryan Storms Author Meet & Greet

We are excited to welcome back local YA fantasy author L. Ryan Storms for a meet and greet featuring her newest novel, Slip. Storms is the celebrated author of The Tarrowburn Prophecies and Temper the Dark, known for her intricate world-building and strong, relatable heroines who grapple with complex moral dilemmas. Her stories explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and courage in the face of adversity.

Slip, her latest release, follows a young protagonist with the uncanny ability to navigate between parallel realities—a skill that becomes both a blessing and a curse as they uncover secrets that threaten to unravel the delicate balance of existence. Storms has earned a devoted following for her ability to craft imaginative, immersive worlds that captivate young adult and adult readers alike. Stop by to get a signed copy, ask questions, and connect with this talented writer.

Community and Club Events

April 6 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) – New Kutztown Fibre Arts Club (First Meeting!)

Our new fibre arts meetup invites crafters of all levels to knit, crochet, spin, weave, and embroider in a friendly and supportive environment. Supplies are available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own materials if possible.

April 2, 16, & 30 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Teen Banned Book Club

Explore challenged and banned books with us! Our Teen Banned Book Club fosters open discussion on societal issues and literary works that have been censored over the years. Open to all local teens. Thanks to generous donations, Firefly provides these books free of charge to all participants.

April 10 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Queer Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

Embark on a journey through magical realms and space odysseys with our Queer Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club. We’ll explore works centering LGBTQ+ characters, authored by queer writers, in a welcoming environment for all.

April 12 & 26 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) – Saturday Afternoon Gaming Sessions

Bring your favorite board or card games or try out something new at our afternoon gaming sessions. All experience levels are welcome, and complimentary store copies will be available for use.

April 29 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) – Monthly Tarot Conversation Group

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned reader, our Tarot Conversation Group is the perfect space to share decks, ask questions, and connect with others interested in the art of cartomancy.

Independent Bookstore Day – April 26 (All Day Event!)

Join us as we celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with exclusive books, literary items, freebies, and more! This annual event is a nationwide celebration of indie bookstores, and Firefly is thrilled to participate for the 12th consecutive year.

Mark Your Calendars!

MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON OUR EVENT PAGE!

April at Firefly Bookstore promises to be a month filled with creativity, connection, and community. Whether you're diving into a new poetry collection, meeting local authors, or joining a vibrant club, we can’t wait to see you here. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest news and event highlights!

Visit us at Firefly Bookstore this April! For questions or more information, feel free to contact us at FireflyBookstore.com.