April is National Poetry Month

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

Visit the website of the American Academy of Poets, www.poets.org, to explore their suggestion on ways to celebrate.

For example, "30 Ways to Celebrate" includes a variety of ways to mark the month. Here in the BDC, we are featuring local poets in the display cabinet and writing a few Connections entries about poets and poetry.  

One suggestion is to "Sign up for a poetry class or workshop."  Another unit of the BCL, the Beaufort  Branch Library, is holding a free Poetry Slam/Poetry Workshop on Saturday, April 21st, from 1 pm - 4 pm for teens, aged 12 - 18.  Call 255-6441 for details.

And, of course, we'd love to have you drop by your nearest branch library and browse the 808 - 821 sections for just the right book of poetry to help you celebrate National Poetry Month.  

Just a reminder:  All units of the Beaufort County Library are closed Wed., April 11th for Staff Development.