Emory student Matthew Whitwell reads poetry at Twelfth Night.

Twelfth Night, the annual development event supporting the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives & Rare Book Library, was held recently and saw its largest turnout in almost a decade. The reception and poetry reading were attended by leaders and donors from across the Emory Libraries community.

Over 140 people attended this year’s event. Twelfth Night is named for the similarly named Shakespeare comedy and stands as a community celebration of poetry.

Yolanda Cooper addresses the crowd.

Yolanda Cooper, Emory’s University Librarian, opened the festivities in the Schatten Gallery, on level 3 of the Woodruff Library, amidst Emory Library’s current major exhibition: “The Dream Machine: The Beat Generation and the Counterculture, 1940-1975.” The evening continued in the Rose Library.

Rosemary Magee thanks her colleagues.

The highlights of the evening included a celebration for outgoing Rose Library Director Rosemary Magee, a poetry reading from US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith, the introduction of the chief revelers Stuart and Mimi Rose, and the honoring of the friends and family of the late Raymond Danowski, who contributed a vast collection of 20th-century poetry and related materials to the Rose Library.

US Poet Laureate Tracy K Smith (left). Associate Professor Jericho Brown is on the right.

“The Chief Revelers traditionally lead guests through the evening of poetry,” said Jason Lowery, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations. “It is also a way of honoring Rose Library supporters.”

The event also continued to grow student involvement. The poetry readings began with student readings and a musical trio that entertained guests was also comprised of Emory students. Students were given tickets by donors to be able to attend, and Poet Laureate Tracy K Smith met with classes earlier in the day.