Friday, April 3, 2026

April "Total Reads" Blog

 

April is National Poetry Month and we (okay, Rhonda) love(s) poetry.  This year we’ve combined our love of poetry with the celebration of America’s 250th birthday to focus on American poetry. We have several passive activities you can take part in at any time you come to the library this month. We will also be hosting two programs that we would love for you to attend.

The first program is a Poetry Jam on Friday, April 10, 2026. This program will be held in the Youth Services room but is intended for all ages.  Come recite or read a poem in celebration of poetry. The flyer for this program is on the blog following this post.

The second program is local poet Harry Moore reading and discussing his book, We the People: Confessions of a Caucasian Southerner. The program will be Thursday, April 16th, at 6:00pm in the main area of the library. If you haven’t read his poetry before, now is a perfect time to become familiar with his work. You can find copies of his previous books in our collection to read this month as you celebrate National Poetry Month.

Poem in Your Pocket Day will be held on Thursday, April 30th this year.  We have some poems by American poets available for you to pick up-one for your pocket and/or one to give to a friend. You can find our poetry collection on the mezzanine. American poetry is in the 811s and English poetry is in the 812s. We’re sure you can find a poem that speaks to you if you try reading poetry this month.

If you have signed up for the Adult Reading Challenge this year, you can get an extra name in the drawing for prizes by participating in the Poetry Jam or blacking out your poetry BINGO card. For all the details see Rhonda or Stephanie in the Marketing and Outreach office. (You have to sign up to be part of the Poetry Jam by Thursday, April 9th.)

The April task for the Adult Reading Challenge is an either/or this time. There is something for the sports fans and/or something for the drama enthusiast. You must either read a book with a sport that is played in quarters (basketball or football) or a play in four acts.

Happy Reading!