SDSL's Cornerstone Newsletter

This April marks the 27th National Poetry Month through the Academy of American Poets. According to the Academy of American Poets, “National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and—of course—poets, marking poetry’s important place in our lives.”

There are many ways that libraries, schools, and individuals can get involved to celebrate. Individuals can sign up to receive a Poem-a-Day and enjoy a free daily poem in their inboxes. Students in grades five through twelve can participate in the Dear Poet Project, which encourages them to write letters in response to poems written and read by award-winning poets.

The biggest event of the month is the Academy of American Poets for its virtual Poetry & the Creative Mind Gala, which is free to attendees. This year the event will be presented virtually on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Readers for this year’s event will include Ethan Hawke, Emily Igwike (National Student Poet), Eric Kim, Ada Limón (U.S. Poet Laureate), Jonathan Majors, Shantell Martin, Liam Neeson, Rosie Perez, Molly Shannon, Malala Yousafzai, and more!

You can also show your support for National Poetry month by using #NationalPoetryMonth online and by displaying the official National Poetry Month poster (sign up to get a free poster here!). You can also share some poetry on Poem in Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 27.

Enjoy celebrating poetry this April!

The South Dakota State Library provides leadership for innovation and excellence in libraries and services to state government.

Email: library@state.sd.us
Website: library.sd.gov
Location: 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD, USA
Phone: 6057733131
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibrarySD
Twitter: @LibrarySD

The SDSL does not endorse any service or product listed in this newsletter.