National Poetry Month

During National Poetry Month libraries join with publishers, booksellers, schools and poets around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Bring poetry to your inbox in April by signing up at http://www.poets.org/poemADay.php The Academy of American Poets will send one new poem each day to celebrate National Poetry Month. Browse their literary links http://www.poets.org. During April, visit one of our branches to explore the poetry section, attend an event to share your poetry or listen to others.

BELTSVILLE BRANCH
Annual Poetry Contest
Prizes awarded for original poetry. Applications will be available on March 3 at the Information Desk. Contest entry deadline is April 8 at 5 pm. Winners will participate in an evening of winning poetry readings. Call branch for details. Ages 6-up. Sponsored by the Friends of the Beltsville Library.

An Evening of Poetry Tuesday, April 29 7 pm
Winners of the Annual Poetry Contest read their winning entries. All ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Beltsville Library.

Greenbelt Branch
Poetry in the Afternoon, Saturday, April 19 2 pm
Join the Greenbelt Writers Group as we celebrate National Poetry Month. Recite original or your favorite poem for your peers' delight. All ages.

HILLCREST HEIGHTS BRANCH
Open Mike Night Wednesday, April 30 5 pm
Join us as we celebrate National Poetry Month, recite original poetry or your favorite poem for your peers’ delight. All ages.

HYATTSVILLE BRANCH
Poet Laureate Michael Collier Thursday, April 24  7 pm
Join former Maryland Poet Laureate Michael Collier as he reads his own poems and select poems from his favorite poets. Collier writes elegant, accessible poetry enriched by carefully observed details. He is a professor of English at the University of Maryland, College Park and director of the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. Collier is the author of five books of poetry, including The Ledge, nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award and most recently Dark Wild Realm. He lives in Catonsville. Made possible by the Maryland Center for the Book’s Poetry’s Here@Your Maryland Library.

LARGO-KETTERING BRANCH
Poetry Open Mike Night Wednesday, April 9 7:30 pm
Join our host, Avery Tynes Lanier for a night of poetry readings. Bring your original poetry to share with the group or recite your favorite poem. All ages.

OXON HILL BRANCH
Pride & Protest: Poetry of the Civil Rights Movement Tuesday, April 1 7 pm
Join Professor Jeffrey Lamar Coleman for an evening of poetry and music in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Coleman pays special attention to the poems written in response to the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Among the poets discussed are Amiri Baraka, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, Nikki Giovanni, Robert Lowell and Sonia Sanchez. Music provided by Dr. Emory Andrews and the award winning Oxon Hill High School Choir. All ages. Made possible by the Maryland Humanities Council.

UPPER MARLBORO BRANCH
Annual Poetry and Essay Contest
Prizes awarded for original poetry and essays. All submissions are due by April 30 7 pm. Call branch for details. Ages 7-18