National Poetry Month
April 1 - April 30
About National Poetry Month
National Poetry Month is celebrated throughout April each year in the United States. Founded by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, it has grown into the largest literary celebration in the world, bringing together schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers, and poetry lovers to honour the vital role poetry plays in culture and education. In 2026, National Poetry Month marks its 30th anniversary.
What is National Poetry Month?
National Poetry Month is a month-long celebration held every April to raise awareness and appreciation for poetry. The Academy of American Poets launched the initiative in 1996, inspired by the success of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, to highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing vitality of American poetry. The observance encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to read, write, and share poems. Throughout the month, thousands of organisations across the country host readings, workshops, and special events.
When is National Poetry Month?
National Poetry Month takes place throughout the entire month of April every year. In 2026, it runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April. Because it always occupies the full month of April, the dates are fixed and do not change from year to year.
The Story Behind National Poetry Month
The idea for a dedicated poetry month originated within the Academy of American Poets, an organisation founded in 1934 to support American poets and foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry. By the mid-1990s, the Academy recognised that poetry, despite its rich tradition, was often overlooked in mainstream culture. Inspired by the model of other awareness months, the Academy’s board of directors voted to inaugurate National Poetry Month in April 1996.
The first National Poetry Month was an immediate success, drawing participation from schools, libraries, and literary organisations across the country. Major publishers began releasing poetry collections timed to April, and bookshops created dedicated poetry displays. The initiative received a significant boost in 2002 when the Academy introduced “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” encouraging people to carry a poem and share it with others throughout the day. This tradition has since become one of the month’s most popular activities.
Over three decades, the celebration has expanded far beyond its original scope. The Academy’s flagship Poem-a-Day series, launched in 2006, delivers a free poem to subscribers every morning during April, reaching millions of readers. In 2026, the 30th anniversary features a poster by Arthur Sze, the 25th United States Poet Laureate, and a star-studded “Poetry and the Creative Mind” benefit hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith. The event will include readings and reflections from figures including filmmaker Chloe Zhao, author Louise Erdrich, and actor Nick Offerman.
How to Get Involved in National Poetry Month
There are countless ways to participate in National Poetry Month, whether you are a lifelong poetry reader or picking up a poem for the first time:
- Read a poem every day – Sign up for the Academy of American Poets’ free Poem-a-Day email series at Poets.org to receive a curated poem in your inbox each morning throughout April.
- Carry a poem in your pocket – On Poem in Your Pocket Day (30 April 2026), choose a favourite poem, print it out, and share it with friends, colleagues, or strangers throughout the day.
- Write your own poetry – Use April as motivation to start a poetry journal. Try different forms such as sonnets, haiku, free verse, or limericks to find your voice.
- Attend a poetry reading – Check local libraries, bookshops, and universities for live readings and open mic nights happening throughout the month.
- Support a poet – Buy a poetry collection from a living poet. Independent bookshops often feature curated poetry selections during April.
- Introduce children to poetry – The Academy’s Dear Poet project invites students in grades five through twelve to write letters in response to poems by award-winning poets. Share this resource with a teacher or young person.
- Share poetry on social media – Post your favourite lines, recommend collections, or share your own writing using the hashtags below to join the wider conversation.
Why National Poetry Month Matters
Poetry holds a unique place in human expression. It distils complex emotions, experiences, and ideas into language that resonates across cultures and generations. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, poetry readership in the United States reached a record high in 2017, with 28 million American adults reading poetry that year, nearly double the figure from five years earlier. National Poetry Month plays a direct role in this resurgence by making poetry visible and accessible beyond academic settings.
The month also supports the livelihoods of working poets. April consistently sees a spike in poetry book sales, and many emerging writers gain their first audiences through events and programmes run during the celebration. For educators, it provides a structured opportunity to bring creative writing into classrooms and show students that poetry is a living, evolving art form rather than a relic of the past.
Noteworthy Facts About National Poetry Month
- The Academy of American Poets distributes over 100,000 free posters each year to schools and libraries for National Poetry Month.
- Poem-a-Day, the Academy’s signature digital programme, has delivered poems to millions of readers since launching in 2006.
- The 2026 official poster features Arthur Sze, the 25th United States Poet Laureate, with original artwork by Alfredo Richner.
- Poem in Your Pocket Day, held on 30 April, began in 2002 and is now celebrated in all 50 states and internationally.
- April was chosen because it is the birth month of William Shakespeare (23 April 1564), widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the English language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Poetry Month?
National Poetry Month is a celebration held throughout April to promote the reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry. It was founded by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 and is observed primarily in the United States.
When is National Poetry Month in 2026?
National Poetry Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026, marking its 30th anniversary.
Who organises National Poetry Month?
The Academy of American Poets organises National Poetry Month. Founded in 1934, the Academy is the largest membership-based nonprofit organisation in the United States dedicated to fostering the appreciation of contemporary poetry.
Spread the Word
Help celebrate National Poetry Month by sharing your favourite poems and encouraging others to discover the power of verse. Use the hashtags #NationalPoetryMonth and #NationalPoetryMonth2026 on social media. You can also use #PoemADay and #PoetryMonth to join the wider conversation. The more people who engage with poetry this April, the richer the celebration becomes.
Related Awareness Days
- World Book and Copyright Day – Celebrated on 23 April, this UNESCO observance promotes reading, publishing, and intellectual property rights worldwide.
- English Language Day – Also held on 23 April (Shakespeare’s birthday), this UN observance celebrates the richness of the English language.
- International Children’s Book Day – Observed on 2 April, this day inspires a love of reading in young people around the world.
Links
Plan your next campaign
Use Awareness Planner to discover events, build content calendars, and stay ahead of key dates.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
