Astoria — Astoria Public Library and Astor Library Friends Association present Library After Hours, a free series of cultural events held at the library after regular hours of operation. The series continues with readings of new works by poets Robert Michael Pyle and Florence Sage at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12. Light refreshments will be provided.

Pyle writes essays, poetry and fiction from an old Swedish farmstead along a tributary of the Lower Columbia River in southwestern Washington. His books include “Wintergreen” and “The Tangled Bank.” A Guggenheim Fellow, Pyle has received the John Burroughs Medal and several other writing awards. Pyle’s poems have appeared in magazines including the North American Review and in a chapbook “Letting the Flies Out.”

“Evolution of the Genus Iris” is Pyle’s full-length book of poems, responding to details, events and emanations from the real, physical world and its species: humans and all the rest. The poems are based on or drawn from personal experiences and perceptions, mostly out-of-doors, and will appeal to the intelligent general reader, lovers of land and literature, fans of a good poems, a good story and naturalists — which means anyone interested in the world and its occupants beyond themselves and their immediate self-concern.

Sage has been a poetry editor for HIPFiSHmonthly, a co-host for Monday Mike for spoken word at the River Theater, a longtime member of the production team for the FisherPoets Gathering and a recipient of several state and regional poetry awards. Sage has also been a newspaper feature writer and is retired from social sciences faculty at Clatsop Community College.

“Nevertheless: Poems From the Gray Area” is Sage’s first poetry collection and the first literary book published by Hipfish Publications of Astoria. “Nevertheless” contains 50 poems, modern relatable human dramas: people at a vital moment of reflection, finding their way in the gray area. The poems are written with rhythm, melody, and conversational but careful language. Many of the poems have been published in area literary magazines or collections.

The Astoria Public Library is a department of the city of Astoria, providing tax-supported services to all residents living within the city boundaries. Guided by the mission statement “explore ideas, engage minds, excite imagination,” the Astoria Public Library is an active and responsive part of the community.

Astoria Public Library is located at 450 10th St. For more information about Library After Hours and other library programs and services, call 503-325-7323, email comments@astorialibrary, or visit www.astorialibrary.org