It's National Poetry Month and we definitely have no shortage of events that praise the art of poetry. We are holding events that will teach you the intricate literary techniques used in the craft, have you hear from actual poets who will share their work, and even get you to write and share your own poetry. There are workshops for people of all ages being held at our Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island branches. Find one near you and join us in exploring how we can use poetry as a creative form of self-expression. 

Bronx

National Poetry Month Weekly Activities
Come visit us for these weekly poetry activities as we explore the many unique forms of poetry and take an attempt at writing some.
Woodstock Library
Every Tuesday | 4 PM
April 2 | Magnetic Poetry
April 9 | Poetry Mix & Match
April 16 | Blackout Poetry
April 23 | Insta-Poetry
April 30 | Books & Beads: Poetry Edition

Poetry Workshop for Kids!
Join us for a Poetry Month workshop at the library! Once a week we will be working on writing different types of poetry that the kids can take home!
Every Monday | 4 - 4:30 PM
Mosholu Library, Children’s Collection

Poetry Slam
Celebrate National Poetry Month in style with a kids-only poetry slam! We'll be writing our own poems and sharing them in a fun, interactive program for ages eight and up.
Monday, April 8 | 4 - 5 PM
Bronx Library Center, Children’s Room

If I was a Superhero
For this DIY Visual Art and Poetry workshop we want you keep this question in mind, if you were a superhero… what kind of power would you possess? Join us in writing a poem while creating a mask reflecting your inner hero. For ages 13-17. Space is limited.
Wednesday April 10 | 3:30 PM
Parkchester Library, Meeting Room

Poetry Bookmark Making
At this celebration of both Immigrant Heritage Week as well as Poetry Month, children and families can explore the immigrant experience through poetry. A bookmark-making craft will be followed by a fun "Poetry Contest" featuring the bookmarks the children have created!
Monday, April 15 | 4 PM
Kingsbridge Library

Poetry: Author Visit Emma Otheguy
Bilingual Author and poet, Emma Otheguy visit to read poetry to our patrons.
Tuesday, April 16 | 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Mott Haven Library

Poetry Journal
Have fun creating your own poetry journal using words, images, and your own creative ideas. Materials will be provided.
Tuesday, April 23 | 4:30 PM
Parkchester Library, Meeting Room

Write Like a Poet
Get inspired to write poetry. In this workshop, we will read three poems and analyze their form, content, and structure. Using these poems as inspiration, participants will create their own original works.
Tuesday, April 23 | 5 PM
Parkchester Library, Meeting Room

Poetry Read-In
Share your passion for poetry at Parkchester's Poetry Read-In. Participants are encouraged to read aloud works by their favorite poet or bring in original works. No experience reading poetry is required.
Tuesday, April 23 | 6 PM
Parkchester Library, Meeting Room

Manhattan

Express Yourself Poetry Workshop Series
In this 5-session workshop series, participants will learn about some of the most popular types of poetry styles. Each session will start with a brief overview of the form, various readings, and lead into time to write and share your own poetry.
Webster Library, Auditorium
Every Monday
April 1 | 11:30 AM : Free Verse
April 8 | 5:30 PM : Blackout + Abstract
April 15 | 11:30 AM : Haiku + Tanka
April 22 | 5:30 PM : Villanelle
April 29 | 11:30 AM : Prose

Write All Kinds of Poetry!
To get us excited for National Poetry Month, we are reading a large variety of poetry, from funny limericks to contemplative haiku. We’ll talk about what makes poetry fun to read, interesting, or moving, then practice writing different forms of poetry. For ages 6-12.
Wednesday, April 3 | 4 PM
Grand Central Library

Literature Out Loud: Spanish Poetry in Translation
Looking to open up time in your busy schedule? Take out time from your afternoon to enjoy a literature discussion with this month's theme, Poetry in Translation. Connect with readers and take some insight to get you through the rest of your day.
Thursday, April 4 | 1 - 2 PM
Mid-Manhattan Library at 42nd Street, Program Room

First Fridays: Poetry Slam/Open Mic Edition
Bring your best poetry to share and get ready to dance with DJ IRS at our annual First Friday’s Open Mic,Poetry Slam Edition. Make sure to arrive early for special opening remarks by Schomburg Director and award-winning poet Kevin Young.
Friday, April 5 | 6 - 10 PM
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Teen Reads Book Club & Craft
For this month's club meeting, either read the awesome book pick The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo or bring in your own book you’ve been reading to come and talk about it. We’ll have a discussion about how we love (or love to hate) these texts and make a literary craft to go along with it.
Wednesday, April 10 | 4 - 5 PM
Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library

Poetry & You
Join us in celebrating National Poetry Month as we learn about poetry and how to use it for self-expression! Ages 6 and up.
Wednesday, April 10 | 4 PM
Grand Central Library

Literature Out Loud: Arabic Language Poetry in Translation
This month's theme is Poetry in Translation. This session we will discover and discuss centuries of poetry from Arabic-speaking cultures. Use this workshop to take a break from your busy day and talk with others who appreciate the art.
Thursday, April 18 | 1 -2 PM
Mid-Manhattan Library at 42nd Street, Program Room

National Poetry Month- Reading Circle
Join us in celebrating Poetry Month by reading a selection of poetic verses by famous poets. Come read, discuss, and enjoy.
Saturday, April 20 | 11 AM
Macomb’s Bridge Library

Open Archive: The Poetics of Anti-Slavery Protest
Join Michelle Commander, associate director and curator of the Lapidus Center, who will explore archived material capturing the use of poetry and related arts in anti-slavery efforts in the Atlantic World.
Wednesday, April 24 | 1 PM
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, American Negro Theater

Come Share About Modern Poetry
In honor of April being  National Poetry Month and also in honor of year-round love of language, the 53rd Street Library will host a discussion of modern poetry. Join fellow New York poetry lovers with us here at the library.
Saturday, April 27 | 12 PM
53rd Street Library

Staten Island

Poetic Decathalon!
For this exciting poetry workshop, participants will be able to explore the devices that make poetry pop, such as voice, imagery, sensory detail, and intentional editing. We will also be taking a look at some published work to see these devices in action.
Tuesday, April 9 | 4 PM
West New Brighton Library

Saturday Matinee
Visit us for our showing ofIl Postino (The Postman), the story of a simple Italian postman learning to love poetry while delivering mail to a famous poet, who then uses what he learns to woo the local beauty Beatrice. Shown in Italian with English subtitles.
Saturday, April 13 | 1 PM
Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library

Poetry Activity
It’s Poetry Month! Bring all of your imagination in to create your best acrostic poem for any word you wish.
Saturday, April 13 | 3:30 PM
South Beach Library

Adult Craft Corner: Blackout Poetry
Using a variety of colorful utensils and newspaper or a page out of a book, artfully block out the words you don't want, leave the words you do and the result is poetry created just by you!
Thursday, April 18 | 5 PM
South Beach Library

Poetry Thursday
Come make an interactive poetry craft with other from your area. Share your love for the art of poetry.
Thursday, April 18 | 4 PM
Stapleton Library

Can't find any event you like? Click here to see a list of poetry events being held throughout the month at the rest of our branches.