Dr. Christian Knoeller of Camden will read some of his Carroll County-based poems at the kick-off event for Carroll County on the Same Page. The program will be June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Delphi Public Library.

Carroll County on the Same Page involves the whole county reading the same book, "Crow Lake" by Mary Lawson.

A series of public events will be held, each featuring a theme from the book.

The first event, on Thursday evening, will have the theme, "Capturing Carroll County: A Sense of Place."

Knoeller has written 66 placebased poems, connected directly to Carroll County.

He says he loves the Carroll County landscape and is moved to write about it.

"I want that connection to place, and poetry gets me there," he said.

"Poetry expresses how this place speaks to me and through me."

Knoeller explains that "place" is more than one's surroundings. It includes people, their lifestyles, and a sense of community.

His Carroll County poems communicate his sense of place. Knoeller's poems are narrative and descriptive. They tell stories and paint pictures.

Hearing poems read aloud by the author adds an extra dimension to the written word. With the benefit of the poet's experiences and feelings, the words come alive. Knoeller also shares the background of some of his poems, adding even more interest. Also, the lyrical aspect of a poem is brought out to its fullest when read by the author.

There are many ways to express a sense of place. Knoeller has chosen poetry. Other ways are through artwork, photography, prose, storytelling, etc.

County residents are encouraged to submit their own creative works to the Flora, Delphi, and Camden public libraries for a final exhibition in October. They may be brought to the poetry reading Thursday night or dropped off throughout the summer.

Other events in connection with Carroll County on the Same Page will be held on July 27, Aug. 9, Sept. 12, and Oct. 8. Four book discussions will be held in July. A brochure with details is available at all three libraries.