April Is National Poetry Month

poets.org

World Poetry Day – March 21

World Poetry Day celebrates one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity. Poetry speaks to our common humanity and our shared values, transforming the simplest of poems into a powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace. UNESCO first adopted 21 March as World Poetry Day in 1999.

Celebrate by checking out a book of poetry from the BSC Library! This guide will help.

A Poet’s Tale – BSC Poetry Contest – April 30

Wrap up National Poetry Month in April by participating in BSC’s Poetry Contest!

• When: Tuesday, April 30, 7 p.m.
• Where: Basin Auditorium, National Energy Center of Excellence
• How: Register at the door; open to anyone who wishes to participate in the contest or watch
• Cost: Free!
• More than $500 worth of prizes!

Contest Rules

• Poem must be original
• Poem must be read out loud
• Max length: 3 minutes

Need more info? Contact: kevin.cavanagh@bismarckstate.edu

Cover of Poesia, magazine edited by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (1876-1944), No. 1-2, February-March 1909

 

 

Because of Libraries We Can Say These Things

Because of Libraries We Can Say These Things by Naomi Shihab Nye

She is holding the book close to her body,
carrying it home on the cracked sidewalk,
down the tangled hill.
If a dog runs at her again, she will use the book as a shield.

She looked hard among the long lines
of books to find this one.
When they start talking about money,
when the day contains such long and hot places,
she will go inside.
An orange bed is waiting.
Story without corners.
She will have two families.
They will eat at different hours.

She is carrying a book past the fire station
and the five and dime.

What this town has not given her
the book will provide; a sheep,
a wilderness of new solutions.
The book has already lived through its troubles.
The book has a calm cover, a straight spine.

When the step returns to itself,
as the best place for sitting,
and the old men up and down the street
are latching their clippers,

she will not be alone.
She will have a book to open
and open and open.
Her life starts here.

Source: 5 Poems About Libraries

My First Memory (Of Librarians) by Nikki Giovanni

“The Librarian” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1566)

This is my first memory:
A big room with heavy wooden tables that sat on a creaky wood floor
A line of green shades—bankers’ lights—down the center
Heavy oak chairs that were too low or maybe I was simply too short
For me to sit in and read
So my first book was always big

In the foyer up four steps a semi-circle desk presided
To the left side the card catalogue
On the right newspapers draped over what looked like a quilt rack
Magazines face out from the wall

The welcoming smile of my librarian
The anticipation in my heart
All those books — another world — just waiting
At my fingertips.

Source: 5 poems about libraries

April Is National Poetry Month!

April is National Poetry Month!

Become well-versed in all things verse by clicking here and by visiting our Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry database (choose it from the A to Z list).

Bad Poetry Day – August 18

Bad Poetry Day is a day to create some bad verse. Why in the world would you want to do that?

Thomas & Ruth Roy, the creators of this so-called holiday, say: “After all the “good” poetry you were forced to study in school, here’s a chance for a pay back. Invite some friends over, compose some really rotten verse, and send it to your old high school teacher.”  

Even though it’s bad poetry day, you can still find plenty of good poetry at the Library and also do some research about poetry here

eBook of the Week

In honor of National Poetry Month …

Stage a Poetry Slam by Marc Kelly Smith with Joy Kraynak

“Stage a Poetry Slam is a comprehensive guide for both budding and seasoned Slammasters — people in charge of organizing and promoting poetry slams and spoken word events.”

Check it out! Beyond Library Walls Digital Collection

 

April Is National Poetry Month

“Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout  the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.”

Here are 30 ways to celebrate!