Elgin poet amplifies community voice

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Elgin poet Donella Dornwell McLean shared her work with the community at the Elgin Public Library April 7. A lifelong writer, McLean has published five books of poetry and earned two Pushcart Prize nominations. She previously served as a peer support specialist at the library and continues to volunteer as the leader of the Writing for Mental Health group, held on the first Saturday of each month. During the event, McLean read selections from her collections and encouraged local poets to take the mic and share their own voices. The event was hosted by the Friends of the Elgin Public Library. Photo courtesy of Lillian Reyes Gates