April 2021 marks the 25th annual celebration of poets and poetry
National Poetry Month
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month reminds the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, with tens of millions of readers, students, K–12 teachers, librarians, booksellers, literary events curators, publishers, families, and, of course, poets, marking poetry's important place in our lives. In 2021, the Academy of American Poets looks forward to celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of this annual celebration!
Each April, the Academy offers activities, initiatives, and resources so that anyone can join in National Poetry Month online and at home:
- Order (for free) and display the official 2021 National Poetry Month poster featuring lines by Joy Harjo
- Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month online and at home
- Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in the virtual classroom
- Join the Academy of American Poets for its first-ever virtual Poetry & the Creative Mind gala on April 29
- Find online poetry readings and events on our Poetry Near You calendar, and add your own
- Encourage students in grades 5 - 12 to participate in the 2021 Dear Poet Project
- Sign up for Poem-a-Day and enjoy a free daily poem in your inbox, this month curated by award-winning poet Jane Hirshfield
- Follow the thousands of celebrations taking place on social media with the official hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth and follow the Academy of American Poets on Twitter and Instagram @POETSorg
- Share a #pocketpoem on Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29
