Kicking off on April 24 in celebration of National Poetry Month, a group of strangers—ranging in age from 14 to 94 and spanning a wide spectrum of backgrounds, beliefs, occupations, literacy levels, and countries of origin—came together for something rare and powerful: to listen, reflect, and connect through the shared experience of literature and poetry.

For eight weeks, participants gathered at the Princeton Public Library for our “Crossing Borders” program, a signature People & Stories initiative designed to bridge differences through the reading and discussion of short fiction and poetry.

Each 90-minute session created a space where voices of all kinds were welcomed, and where stories and poems served as a starting point for conversation, memory, and deeper understanding through writing prompts.

Led with warmth and wisdom by program coordinator Ellie Fisher, the group explored works by authors who write across cultures and history.

In the act of listening—not only to the literature but to one another—group members found they became "something more" to one another.

Visit our YouTube channel for more from participants

During week 4, participants were treated to an inspirational session of icebreakers and writing tips presented by New Jersey poet Dimitri Reyes.

Ellie remarked that Dimitri's visit prompted the group to create haiku following the week 5 reading and discussion.

Week 8 was "bittersweet", as each participant enjoyed a slice of celebratory cake, received a certificate of completion, a gift book of short stories, and a most anticipated anthology of written works entitled "Everyone Has A Story to Tell", filled with a curated selection of their own writings.

Special thanks to Cliff Robinson, Princeton Public Library's Public Humanities Specialist, for providing welcoming accommodations for each weekly session.

“Crossing Borders” and all People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos programs are only possible through the generous support of our funders, individual donors, volunteers, and community partners.

This program was sponsored by grants awarded to People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

We are grateful for your support.