April is National Poetry Month! Established in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, this festive celebration aims to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.
In the Children’s Literature Department of our beautiful Central Library, we are celebrating by reading poetry, writing poetry, and sharing poetry! All of this month’s programs and class visits have a poetry tie-in, plus a librarian recites a poem aloud wherever there happens to be a group of listeners at some point each day.
We have displays of poetry anthologies, guides to writing poetry, novels in verse, and picture books told in rhyme. Those who feel adventurous can go on a “Poetry Walk” and read the entirety of Lewis Carroll’s gem, The Walrus and the Carpenter. All 18 stanzas are posted on our bookcases with arrows indicating the direction in which to head next.
Additionally, patrons are encouraged to write their own poems, such as a Haiku, Limericks, and a “paste together a poem” with word cutouts available. Check out our calendar of events for poetry happenings around our branches.
Some of Our Favorite Poetry Books for Children
