By: Rickie Mascia & Jill Grunenwald, Marketing & Communications Specialists 

April is National Poetry Month, a literary celebration of a genre that supports expression, encourages feelings, and challenges readers to think beyond the words on a page. Inaugurated in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month is observed by thousands of libraries, schools, and publishers around the world. Readers near and far are invited by their communities to celebrate with poetry readings, festivals, writing workshops, and so much more. Below are a few simple tips on how you can help your readers discover the beauty and wonder of poetry through your digital collection.

1. Curate A Poetry Featured List

Remembering the first poem you ever read may be difficult (CC: Mother Goose), but a reader always remembers the first poem that made them think a little differently. Bring poetry to the forefront of your digital collection by featuring some of your staff’s favorite poetry ebooks and audiobooks.. Poetry is a genre that can be intimidating to some readers, curating a list with the classics or modern poetry recommendations is a great way to introduce readers to new content and help them open their mind to new concepts, cultures and understandings. (Ex: OverDrive librarians curated a list to help introduce young adult readers to the genre featuring “Our Favorite J/YA poetry”.)

2. Celebrate Poem in Your Poet Day

Poem in Your Pocket Day 2018 is on April 26 and is part of National Poetry Month. On this day, select a poem, carry it with you, and share it with others at schools, bookstores, libraries, parks, workplaces, street corners, and on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem.

3. Get Social With Poem Excerpts:

Use your social media profiles to celebrate with your followers! Grab readers attention with excerpts from your staff’s favorite poems. This is a great way to use your expertise and personal recommendation to help direct readers to a title they may not have searched for, all while raising awareness of poetry. Additionally, this creates an interactive space for readers to connect with your staff outside of the library walls. For example (feel free to use):

yesterday i was the moon:

April is the cruellest month, breedingLilacs out of the dead land, mixingmemory and desire, stirringDull roots with spring rain. (8).png

The Waste Land:

Electric Arches:

April is the cruellest month, breedingLilacs out of the dead land, mixingmemory and desire, stirringDull roots with spring rain. (4).png

When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities

April is the cruellest month, breedingLilacs out of the dead land, mixingmemory and desire, stirringDull roots with spring rain. (9).png

The Sun and Her Flowers:

April is the cruellest month, breedingLilacs out of the dead land, mixingmemory and desire, stirringDull roots with spring rain. (5).png

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings:

April is the cruellest month, breedingLilacs out of the dead land, mixingmemory and desire, stirringDull roots with spring rain. (6).png

For more inspiration, check out the 30 ways to celebrate national poetry month list created by The Academy of American Poets.