Every year since 1996, the month of April has been designated as National Poetry Month. We use this time to celebrate poets and their craft. Various events are held throughout the month by the Academy of American Poets and other poetry organizations as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry.
At LPPL, we are very excited about National Poetry Month, and we want to share that excitement with the communities we serve.
Here is a list of programs taking place at our various branches to celebrate National Poetry Month:
Bayou Blue: “A Poem in your Pocket Day” Craft (Ages 4-8)—Celebrate poems with us by making a flower into a poem using construction paper and glue. Thursday, April 26, 4:00 PM
Choctaw: Poem in Your Pocket Day: Choose an envelope containing a poem to carry in your pocket. Envelopes will be located at the customer service desk. One envelope will be an instant winner. Thursday, April 26, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Gheens: Poetry Slam Jam: To celebrate National Poetry Month, we will have a poetry slam night where anyone can recite or read their original work. Friday, April 27, 4:30 PM
Larose: Poem-a-Day: In honor of National Poetry Month, patrons can pull a poem every day in April from our poem grab bag! Monday, April 2 - Monday, April 30, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Raceland: National Poetry Month: Check out book(s) from our display or pick a poem(s) from our Poet-Tree. Tuesday, April 24, 4:00 PM
South Lafourche: Recite for a Bite: Celebrate National Poetry Month with the library’s Recite for a Bite. Recite a bit of poetry and enjoy a slice of pizza, while supplies last. Tuesday, April 10, 4:30 PM
Thibodaux: National Poetry Month with David Middleton: All ages can attend our poetry reading, discussion, and poetry writing exercises with David Middleton. Monday, April 23, 5:00 PM
Thibodaux: Poem in Your Pocket Giveaway: Patrons can select a poem at checkout, carry it with them, and share it with others throughout the day. One envelope will have a winning ticket to receive a small prize. Thursday, April 26, All Ages - All Day
In addition to visiting the library, here are other ways you can celebrate National Poetry Month:
Sign up for Poem-a-Day and read a poem each morning.
Check out a book of poetry from LPPL.
Start a poetry reading group.
Sign up for a poetry class or workshop.
Attend a poetry reading at a local university, bookstore, cafe, or library.
Create an anthology of your favorite poems on Poets.org.
Finally, in recognition of National Poetry Month, I want to share a humorous poem with you.
The Silliest Teacher in School
By Darren Sardelli
Our teacher gave detention
to the fountains in the hall.
She handed extra homework
to the artwork on the wall.
We saw her point a finger
at a banner and a sign.
She said their bad behavior
was completely out of line.
The principal approached her
and said, “What is all this fuss?
I heard you tried to punish
all the tires on a bus.
“You’ve made the teachers angry
by disrupting all their classes,
so if you want to keep this job,
you have to wear your glasses!”
- Crystal, Librarian