The Bards, documented here as being active off and on from 1924 through 1993, was the first group to define this collection, though not the first poetry or poetry group in Grand Rapids. Included here from the Bards is a history of that organization, scrapbooks, and various publications of poetry, such as the periodical “Echo” or “Bardic Echoes”. Area poets represented in the Bards series include Elizabeth Noreen Klys, Harry Lincoln Creswell or Clarence Weaver from the post-1950's era.

Another series in the collection includes the work of local poet Francis O. Raniville. The remainder of the collection to date includes works by various Grand Rapids poets, whether aspiring to create serious work or writing in jest. Several examples of the work of the 19th century poet Julia A. Moore are found. Also included are the poems {Verse Re local political officials], including, the “Kentwood Canticles”, or “Seven City Councilmen, governing Wyoming” by Peter M. Lamberts.

Included are some of the annual publications of the winners of the contest sponsored by Dyer-Ives, with others to be added as these become available. Since 2003 Grand Rapids has designated a poet laureate, which is a 2-year rotating position. Included in this collection are representative works of the first poet laureate Linda Nemec Foster (Coll. 355), and also those of Patricia Clark, and now Rodney Torreson.