Poetry Guide

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.

Thanks in part to our National Poetry Month partners and sponsors, each April the Academy is able to offer activities, initiatives, and resources so that anyone can join the celebration:

Display the official National Poetry Month poster
Learn how to celebrate at home
Learn how to celebrate in the classroom
Attend the Poetry & the Creative Mind virtual gala on April 30, 2024
Find poetry readings and events on our Poetry Near You calendar, and add your own
Encourage students in grades five through twelve to participate in the Dear Poet Project
Sign up for Poem-a-Day, curated in April by Cyrus Cassells, and enjoy a free daily poem in your inbox
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 18, 2024
Make a gift to the Academy of American Poets
Add the official National Poetry Month logo to your events: