National Poetry Month was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world with schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets celebrating poetry’s vital place in our culture. Madison Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month this year with workshops, book displays, art exhibitions, and more.
Poetry Activities
Intergenerational Earth Day Nature Walk
April 22, 4-6 pm | Sequoya Library
Join current Sequoya library artist, Katherine Moore, on an intergenerational nature walk in celebration of our Earth. We will walk to Westmorland Park, pausing along the way to observe the signs of Spring, ask questions and read poetry. We will then spend some time exploring the park and journaling. All materials will be provided. Be prepared for about 1-1.5 miles of walking. All ages welcome.
Limited to 15 "grown ups" and the children in their lives to keep the group together. Limited to 15 "grown ups" and the children in their lives. Registration opens April 8 at 9am. REGISTER
ART EXHIBITION
Nature's Delights: Madison's Urban Ecology
Revel in Nature's Delights by exploring a new art exhibit at Sequoya Library created by local artist Katherine Moore! She never ceases to be amazed by the richness of urban ecology and strives to capture and share the beautiful moments happening right outside our front doors. Her watercolor paintings draw you in with a series of playful, moody and awe-inspiring moments seemingly frozen in time. Plus, many of the paintings also have an accompanying poem that elaborates on or illuminates the scene. This exhibit will be up through May and is available to view during open library hours.
Upcoming Events
Lakeview Library
Pinney Library
Poetry Book Lists
Our MADreads reviews are a collection of reviews done by library staffers. Sometimes, we also highlight book awards, special months and collections in our MADreads reviews. In honor of Poetry Month, one of our staff members who works as a selector purchasing new materials for the library suggested putting together a list of new and upcoming poetry works. Check out the 4-part series of fresh poetry titles below:
Book Lists Feat. Poetry:
Poem A Day
From 2018-2020, Madison Public Library celebrated National Poetry Month by posting a poem a day throughout the entire month of April. In various years, poems were recommended by Madison-area readers and writers, curated by City of Madison Poets Laureate, or selected by Library staff.
You can check out the highlighted poems and find out why each was chosen on the A Poem a Day page.