Tirabassi was Portsmouth Poet Laureate from 2001-2003 and her first project was the book Portsmouth Unabridged - New Poems for an Old City, which boasted more than ninety local poets from age nine to one hundred. Her second year she ran a “Humor in Poetry”’ festival. Maren teaches poetry in a wide range of settings and travels as a facilitator for United Church of Christ (Congregational) workshops and conferences. She is the author or editor of eleven books.

Her reading will be followed by an open mic opportunity. Readers of all ages and abilities are welcome to read one or two poems. Come to read or just come to listen!