BANGOR – More than 30 poets, musicians and translators, along with community members of Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian descent, will take part in “POETS/SPEAK!” from 5:30 to 9 p.m. today at the Bangor Public Library.

University of Maine poets participating in the event include David Adams, Robin Brox, Tony Brinkley, Ben Friedlander, Kathleen Ellis, Jennifer Gosetti-Ferencei, Burton Hatlen, Leonore Hildebrandt, Terrell Hunter, Kathleen March, Constance Hunting, Ken Norris and Michael Roberson.

“Diane Smith at the library and I hope the reading will call attention to the diversity of sounds and cultures of Many Voices Reading and to Poetry and the World, the theme of this year’s event,” said Ellis, who teaches English at the University of Maine. She has also translated the work of Latin American women poets in exile.

The event begins with an opportunity to browse the literary magazines and poetry books on exhibit while listening to the live jazz of Jay Bregman and his bebop band.

Baron Wormser, Maine’s poet laureate, will introduce the high school poets who will read at 6 p.m. Readings will continue until the library closes at 9 p.m.

“POETS/SPEAK!” is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring a poem to share during the open-mike session at the end of the evening. For more information, contact Smith at the library at 947-8336.