No, it's not Camden vs. Belfast. Poets are nice. It's "Camden Meets Belfast" tonight when four Midcoast Maine poets will give a free reading of their work in the Picker Room of the Camden Public Library at 7 p.m.

"We don't have any particular theme, but we hope to present a lively reading that will encourage people that a poetry can be a fun and accessible form of art entertainment," said Kristen Lindquist, from Camden, whose book Transportation (Megunticook Press, 2011) was a finalist for a Maine Literary Award. "You won't be getting any weird language poetry or stuff that confused you in high school from us."

"Live poetry is a great mental palate-cleanser; as old a form of storytelling as there is, and brand new the moment it gets breathed into the room," said Dave Morrison, also of Camden, whose seventh book, Clubland is a collection of poems about rock bars written in classic form. He will be introducing fail, his eighth collection of poems.

Elizabeth W. Garber, who has served as Poet Laureate of Belfast, has published three books of poetry. Three of her poems have been read by Garrison Keillor on The Writer's Almanac. Her latest work, True Affections: Poems from a Small Town, explores poems that are grounded in distinctive Maine moments in town and on islands.

Lauren Murray, a performance poet also from Belfast, was featured in the 2009 Belfast Poetry Festival with her work, The Mystery of Love. Her new book, hear if you dare, explores the theme of listening within to discover one's creativity and experience the divine.

Come join a continuing tradition of writers and readers at the library. Books by each poet will be available for purchase.

Kay Stephens can be reached at kaystephens@penbaypilot.com