Campbell County Public Library is proud to host Spirit of Carl Sandburg: The People's Poet in His Own Words, a emotive and poignant one-man performance by actor and historian Max Walter, on Thursday, January 8 at 6:30pm.

Max Walter brings the words and world of Carl Sandburg (1878–1967) to life through an immersive monologue that blends Sandburg’s poetry, personal letters, folk music, and historical storytelling. He created this Sandburg-estate endorsed play in 2019 after discovering a collection of Sandburg’s complete poems. He later secured permissions to impersonate the poet's likeness as well as present his copyrighted materials. Using 85% of Sandburg’s own words, Walter embodies the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet’s reflections on beauty, democracy, time, music, family, mortality, and the American spirit.

Known as “The People’s Poet,” Sandburg wrote in the language of the everyday American, capturing the voices of both industrial workers and rural farmers. His body of work spans poetry, biography, music, fiction, history, and children’s literature—making him one of the most prolific literary figures in American history.

The performance will also highlight Sandburg’s deep admiration for Abraham Lincoln. Sandburg devoted years to researching and writing a six-volume Lincoln biography and often spoke about the former president’s lasting influence on American democracy.

Join us for an evening of poetry, music, and storytelling that celebrates the life and legacy of a writer who continually reminded Americans of their national identity. The event is free and open to the public.