April is National Poetry Month

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Monthis now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events.

In coordination with poets, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the Academy chose a month when poetry could be celebrated with the highest level of participation. Inspired by the successful celebrations of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), and on the advice of teachers and librarians, April seemed the best time within the year to turn attention toward the art of poetry—in an ultimate effort to encourage poetry readership year-round.

1. The goals of National Poetry Month are to:
2. Highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets

• Introduce more Americans to the pleasures of reading poetry
• Bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways
• Make poetry a more important part of the school curriculum
• Increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media
• Encourage increased publication, distribution, and sales of poetry books
• Increase public and private philanthropic support for poets and poetry

On April 27, 2011, the Academy of American Poets will present its ninth annual benefit, Poetry & The Creative Mind, at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center. Some of America's leading artists, scholars, and public figures will participate in this extraordinary evening celebrating the role of contemporary poetry in American culture. Each year, Poetry & The Creative Mind raises money for the programs of the Academy of American Poets, including National Poetry Month, which was established by the Academy in 1996 and is now the largest literary celebration in the world.


For more about National Poetry Month and The American Academy of Poets, visit http://www.poets.org/.