National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, marking poetry’s important place in our lives.
Now, as we face an unprecedented circumstance, National Poetry Month has taken on new meaning and importance. Poetry and inspiring language can help bring solace and needed strength.
The Academy of American Poets is committed to bringing poetry to the widest possible audience. The organization offers activities, initiatives, and resources, which have been adapted so that anyone can join in online and at home and—hopefully—find comfort, resilience, and connection.
Poem in Your Pocket Day 2020 is on April 30th and is part of National Poetry Month. Poetry is best when shared, and Poem in Your Pocket Day is the perfect time to surprise someone with the gift of poetry. You can join the celebration by printing one of the following poems from the downloadable Poem in Your Pocket Day PDF for 2020.
More Ways to Participate: It’s easy to participate in Poem in Your Pocket Day from a safe distance. Here are some ideas of how you might get involved:
- Select a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem.
- Simultaneously participate in the Shelter in Poems initiative, and select a poem that brings you solace during this time of distance and solitude. Share what it means to you and use the hashtags #pocketpoem and #ShelterInPoems.
- Print a poem from the Poem in Your Pocket Day PDF and draw an image from the poem in the white space, or use the instructions on pages 59-60 of the PDF to make an origami swan.
- Record a video of yourself reading a poem, then share it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or another social media platform you use.
- Email a poem to your friends, family, neighbors, or local government leaders.
- Schedule a video chat and read a poem to your loved ones.
- Add a poem to your email footer.
- Read a poem out loud from your porch, window, backyard or outdoor space.
How the Algonquin Public Library is participating: Check out our Facebook page to see videos of our staff members reading aloud a new poem every day this month!
Hoopla: Poetry (e-books and e-audiobooks)
Crafts you can do at home:
Blackout poetry:
Found poetry:
Make your own magnetic poetry kit:
Online poem generators:
NYT Times article: National Poetry Month Celebrations Go Online
ReadWriteThink: April is National Poetry Month! Resources and Activities