SEIBLES SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR THIRD ANNUAL VIRGINIA LITERARY AWARDS

Tim Seibles, assistant professor of English at Old Dominion University, was recently announced as one of 10 finalists for the annual Library of Virginia Literary Awards for his book "Hammerlock: Poems."

One of 221 books nominated for this year's literary awards, Seibles' fifth collection of poems deals with racial, political and religious tension in America. His poetry has appeared in such publications as The Kenyon Review, "Black American Literature Forum" and "New Poets of the '90s."

A former NEA fellow and recipient of an Open Voice Award, Seibles teaches in Old Dominion's master's program in creative writing.

The winners for best poetry, fiction and nonfiction books will be announced during an awards celebration at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, in the Grand Lobby of the Library of Virginia in Richmond. Winners will be given a monetary award and a crystal replica of a book. Virginia's first lady, Roxanne G. Gilmore, will host the celebration.

Tickets for the celebration are $50 each. For more information, call (804) 692-3724.