Frostburg State University’s Center for Creative Writing invites the public to attend the release party and reading of “Evensong: Contemporary American Poets on Spirituality” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov.19, at Main Street Books in downtown Frostburg.

FSU students, faculty and members of the community are encouraged to attend this free event.

“Evensong,” a diverse collection of poems on the theme of spirituality from a wide assortment of authors, was edited by Gerry LaFemina, director of the Center for Creative Writing and professor of English at FSU, and Lee University professor of English Chad Prevost. The anthology, released by Bottom Dog Press, features the work of Christopher Buckley; Stephen Dunn; Stuart Dybek; Annie Finch; Patricia Goedicke; Richard Jackson; Alicia Ostriker; Eric Pankey; Tim Seibles; Ravi Shankar; Vivian Shipley; Cathy Song; Gerald Stern; Michael Waters; Charles Wright; and many others.

According to LaFemina’s “Introduction,” “’Evensong’ is a celebration of rich spiritual tapestry that is contemporary American religious experience. If this book is flawed, recall that to be spiritual is to have faith even when one doubts, to see the flaws yet find belief. When I write poetry, I try to give myself over to the sublime, to that which is great within, to that which knows what I don’t know. When I participate in writing life, I try to be giving to that which has given to me.”

Featured readers at the event are Pulitzer-Prize winning poet Stephen Dunn, Penn State Altoona professor Todd Davis, LaFemina and others. A reception and signing will follow.