April is National Poetry Month, and I, too, like it! From picture books with poems to novels in verse for middle grade readers and fun activities, there are so many ways to involve poetry in library plans.
Tag: poetry
April Showers Bring … Poetry!
April showers may bring May flowers elsewhere, but in our library all that rain sprouts poetry! April is one of my favorite months for programming because it’s National Poetry Month! National Poetry Month was founded by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 to remind the public that poets have “an integral role in our culture and that poetry matters” (Academy of American Poets, n.d.). Why celebrate poetry? In a world of social media with 146-character posts and soundbites, poetry seems like an apt medium for the times. A single small poem can pack a powerful punch of meaning. Even longer poems seem to take less space in the world or at least to use space more effectively. And poetry seems like a form designed for reluctant readers. I once “sold” a novel in verse to a reluctant reader in my library by pointing out that while the book met…
Poetry is not just for the month of April!
I was inspired by the #ALAAC25 presentation – “Poetry as Makerspace: Making Poetry Visible in Your Library Year-Round” – to explore creative ways for my patrons to experiment with and enjoy poetry throughout the year, from January to December. Not only did the presenters encourage attendees to write and play with poetry during the program, the presenters gave practical ideas of poetry stations and activities to implement right away in your library. Here are some of their great ideas!
No Tech? No Problem: Poetry as Makerspace #alaac25
If you’re anything like me, you are or have been intimidated by one or the other, or maybe even both: understanding poetry and using makerspaces. On Saturday, a panel of presenters–all picture book writers, poets, and educators–encouraged a room full of public librarians and school library teachers to work with lyrical picture books, novels in verse, and exploratory word play activities in their spaces to foster community connection through (drumroll, please!) poetry.
Ashley Bryan: wonder, artist, author
Have you ever been somewhere with Ashley Bryan? He started every presentation by first saying, “My name is Ashley Bryan” and then recites “My People” by Langston Hughes: “The night is beautiful, so the faces of my people!”
Poetry Programs for the Reluctant Poet
April is National Poetry Month! Many people find poetry intimidating. Between meter, rhyme scheme, teachers overly focused on anything written prior to 1900, and words like “troche” and “anaphora,” the language of poetry can seem complex. But it is not too late – or too hard – to unlock your inner poet. Consider adding one of the following poetry programs to your calendar. They all use common library or household supplies, take no special knowledge or skill to lead, and can be put together in an hour or less. Gather ye thine quills and parchment!
Get Ready for National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month! How are you going to celebrate? My library system allows cardholders to sign up for daily poems sent to their email, along with a prompt for those interested in creating their own poetry.
Love Poetry
While thinking about a blog post topic for this month, I realized my post would go live on Valentine’s Day. What a perfect time to talk about my love for poetry! I recently offered two virtual poetry outreach programs for 2nd graders, and we all had a great time. Reading and writing poetry can be interactive, mathematical, engaging, and, most of all, fun!