Since becoming poet laureate of New Hampshire in 2009, Walter E. Butts has worked to increase the visibility of poetry across the state. He’ll continue that mission with a reading at Water Street Bookstore in Exeter on Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Butts will read from his latest collection of poems, “Radio Time,” which is due out this month from Cherry Grove Collections. He has released three prior books of poetry, the most recent being “Sunday Evening at the Stardust Café,” which was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and other awards. His poems and critical essays have also appeared in several chapbooks, anthologies, and literary journals.   

Butts, who lives in Manchester and teaches at Hesser College, will serve his five-year term as New Hampshire poet laureate through 2014. 

The event begins at 7 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Water Street Bookstore, 125 Water St., Exeter, 603-778-9731.