In 1996, the Academy of American Poets, inspired by the success of Black History and Women’s History months, designated April as National Poetry Month. Today, I celebrated by ordering a copy of this year’s poster, offered free while supplies last to teachers, booksellers, and librarians. This poster, offered annually, is one of my favorite perks as a librarian.
If you do not teach, sell books, or have a Masters’ Degree in Library and Information Science, copies of the posters are available for $5 from the Academy of American Poets website. Check out the poster gallery and get inspired by a photograph of Emily Dickinson’s dress.
This year’s poster features the line, “bright objects hypnotize the mind” from Elizabeth Bishop’s poem, “A Word With You.” If that doesn’t spark your interest in poetry, register on the Academy of American Poets website to receive a poem a day to your email address during the month of April. You’re sure to find something that does.
