Let’s celebrate National Poetry Month’s 30th anniversary
Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role 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. Here are some ways you can participate:
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Go to www.poets.org and sign up for Poem a-day to receive a free poem in your inbox each day.
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April 30th is Poem-in-your-Pocket Day. Carry some poems with you in your pocket and share them with other people.
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Go to the library and check out books of poetry to enjoy!
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Check out Salem Public Library’s Facebook page to listen to library staff read their favorite poems during the month of April.
April events for kids
Wed. & Thurs, April 1, 2, 8, 9, 15,16,22,23, 29, 30; 11am; Story Explorers: Children aged 0-5 and their families. Create lifelong readers! Join us for stories, songs, and boisterous fun as we share our love of books with your child. Registration required at salemva.libcal.com. Choose a day to come. Same program presented twice a week.
Wednesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 3:15pm. Grades 1-5: Barks & Books: Read with a therapy dog. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Thursday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Book Babies: Special story time for infants and crawlers.
Saturday, April 4, 11am, Grades K-3. Plant a seed with the Bad Seed! Read The Bad Seed with us, then plant your own seeds! We’ll provide the tools for you to start your own little garden. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Friday, April 10, 3:30pm, Grades 4-5. Book Chats: Diary of a Nature Nerd by Tiffany Everett. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Tuesday, April 14, 3:30pm, Grades 2-5. Paint Cool Cats! Explore Swiss German artist Paul Klee’s colorful and shape filled style to create your own artwork. Register at salemva.libcal.com
April events for t(w)eens
Saturday, April 11, 2pm, Grades 6-12. DIY Magnetic Poetry. Recycle in style and make DIY magnetic poetry with us! Using old magazines and library materials, create your own unique set of words that can be arranged into sentences and phrases for your fridge or any other magnetic surface. Register at salemva.libcal.com
Friday, April 24, 3:30pm, Grades 6-8. Middle School Graphic Novel Book Club Join us and chat about Twig by Skottie Young. We will have snacks, crafts, and great discussion. Register at salemva.libcal.com
April Events for Adults
Thursday, April 9, 2pm-3:30pm; Puzzle and Games Afternoon: Drop in and play board games, card games and puzzles.
Tuesday, April 14, 6:30pm: True Crime Book Club: Join our group to discuss old crimes. This month’s selection is “The House of My Mother” by Shari Franke, a memoir of influencer culture and abuse.
Library Corner
Empowering individuals to build a stronger community
Benita VanCleave
