Officials with the Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC) at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will host a presentation on the poetry of Christmas hymns at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., in West Plains.

The presentation, “The First Noel: Poetry of Christmas Hymns,” will be given by Frank Priest, professor of English at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP). Priest teaches a variety of composition, literature and creative writing courses at the university.

During his presentation, Priest will celebrate the poetry of traditional Christmas hymns, including their history, rhyme, meter, rhythm and form. He also will demonstrate how to write new verses to a variety of Christmas songs.

Organizers said refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Rebekah McKinney, director of library services at the Garnett Library, at 417-255-7949 or RebekahMcKinney@MissouriState.edu.