April is National Poetry Month
Writing poetry offers an opportunity to connect with the stories of our lives. Poetry also increases feelings of confidence, capability, and creativity, and is an effective technique to cope with stress and increased emotional regulation.
See all of the opportunities to write, read, and hear poetry this month:
Poetry Events
Spill the Ink Poetry Contest
Submissions accepted April 1-22
Celebratory reading Friday, April 29.
Spill the ink & share your story! Winning writers will receive a prize and have their poems displayed in Main Library. A live reading, featuring poet Pam Blair from The Poetry Den and an open mic will follow the presentation; all are welcome! Submit poems here or with printable form below:
Community Poet-Tree
April 1-30
Lakeville & North Liberty Branches
Share your voice by adding a piece of your writing to our month-long poetry living art installation. Topic: What does social justice mean to you?
Young Writer’s Workshop: Poetry with Lori
Tuesday, April 5, 6PM
Main Library, Teen Room
Enjoy a fun evening of pizza and poetry with poet Lori Caskey-Sigety!
Enhancing Your Writing Skills
Tuesdays, 6PM | April 5, 12, 19, 26
Main Library, Classroom B
Get a feel for how to outline your stories to begin bringing them to life with expert teachers from Notre Dame’s Creative Writing graduate program.
Versos y Poemas/Spanish Poetry
Thursday, April 7, 5:30PM
Western Branch
Enjoy beautiful poetry readings in this introduction to Spanish poetry for adults and children. Poet John Homan will read in Spanish and there will be handouts with the poems translated in English.
Rhyme Time
Monday, April 11, 4PM
Celebrate National Poetry Month by listening to stories that rhyme and trying out some rhyming activities.
Black Out Poetry Workshop
Thursday, April 14, 5PM
Tutt Branch
Express yourself through a black out poetry workshop and reading. Supplies and refreshments provided.
Change Sings
Tuesday, April 19, 4PM
Main Library, Community Learning Center
Join your voice with ours for a dramatic reading and performance of the lyrical picture book Change Sings by Amanda Gorman. A family sing-a-long with musicians from The Music Village will follow.
Poetry Reading and Workshop
Tuesday, April 19, 4PM
Francis Branch
Poet Lori Caskey-Sigety will read works from her latest collection, Home, and will lead a poetry workshop. An opportunity will be given for poets to share their own poetry.
Poetry’s Greatest Hits
Tuesday, April 26, 6PM
River Park Branch
The Acting Ensemble reads ‘poetry’s greatest hits’ outstanding poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month
Getting Your Poetry Published
Thursday, April 28, 6:30PM
Main Library, Classroom B
Join a discussion with local poets as they share stories of their experiences with the publishing process.
Poetry Reading at Potato Creek State Park
Saturday, April 30, 3PM
Potato Creek State Park
Share your poetry with the community by joining Lakeville and North Liberty Branches at Potato Creek State Park for a public reading and a poet-tree planting. Admission to the park is free with a library card.
