About the Celebration

Happy National Poetry Month from the Academy of American Poets and Poets.org!

National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996 to remind the public that poets have an integral role to play 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, and, of course, poets, marking poetry's important place in our lives. 

Now, as we face an unprecedented circumstance, National Poetry Month has taken on new meaning and importance. More and more people are turning to poetry at this moment, because poetry and inspiring language can help bring solace and needed strength. 

This April, the Academy of American Poets is more committed than ever to doing everything it can to bring poetry to the widest possible audience. The organization offers activities, initiatives, and resources, which have been adapted so that anyone can join in online and at home and—hopefully—find comfort, resilience, and connection throughout the month of April and beyond:

• Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month online and at home
• Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in the virtual classroom
• Find virtual poetry readings and events on our Poetry Near You calendar, and add your own online events
• Display the official 2020 National Poetry Month poster 
• Sign up for Poem-a-Day and enjoy a free daily poem in your inbox
• Follow the thousands of celebrations taking place on social media with the official hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth and follow the Academy of American Poets on Twitter @POETSorg
• Participate in the Academy's new online initiative, Shelter in Poems
• Share a #pocketpoem on Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 30

We hope these virtual National Poetry Month events and activities will bring some comfort at this time and inspire you to keep celebrating poetry all year long.

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