National Poetry Month Programs Happening at the BPL
Salaam Green, the City of Birmingham's first poet laureate, is partnering with the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) for two poetry programs this National Poetry Month 2024. Hear her poetry in person at Bards & Brews on Friday, April 5, and at the debut of her new chapbook on Thursday, April 18, both at the Central Library.
Keep reading to see all the poetry programs we're offering this month!
The Academy of American Poets first organized National Poetry Month in April 1996 to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. Birmingham has a thriving poetry community that we get to celebrate this April.
The Central Library, Southside Branch Library, and West End Branch Library are hosting programs to highlight Birmingham's poets. Celebrate National Poetry Month with us by attending our programs and checking out some new poets!
Central Library | 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203
Mixed Ages Programs
Once Upon a Magic City with Salaam Green
Thursday, April 18 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Grand Reading Room, 1st Floor—East Building
Salaam Green will perform a poetry reading of her new chapbook, Once Upon a Magic City. Its new cover designed by local visual artist Micah Briggs will be unveiled this evening. Attendees will receive a complimentary special edition copy of the book that includes journal prompts and free posters of the cover will be available, too. Additional copies of Once Upon a Magic City can be purchased at the program. This program is intended for Tweens, Teens, and Adults.
Adult Programs
Friday, April 5 | Starts at 6:30 p.m.
Grand Reading Room, 1st Floor—East Building
Celebrate National Poetry Month with a Bards & Brews Open Mic featuring Salaam Green! April's featured brews are provided by Oak Mountain Brewing Company. Must be 18+ to enter and 21+ to drink with proof of I.D. This program is free and open to the public. Bards & Brews is sponsored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
The Magic City Poetry Festival has a whole calendar of poetry programs happening across the city, including our Bards & Brews program!
Southside Branch Library | 1814 11th Avenue S, Birmingham, AL 35205
All Ages Programs
Grab N' Go: Blackout Poetry
Monday, April 8–Friday, April 12 | During hours of operation
Available while supplies last
Use your imagination to create poetic works with blackout poetry in this Grab N' Go kit. This activity is for the whole family to enjoy and promotes family literacy and involvement.
West End Branch Library | 1348 Tuscaloosa Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35211
All Ages Programs
All month long starting Friday, April 5 | During hours of operation
Celebrate National Poetry Month by creating an original poem that you'd like displayed at our library. Use the magnetic works and letters on our magnetic board to create and display your piece.
And, of course, our libraries have poetry books that patrons can read this April.
Our shared catalog with the JCLC gives patrons access to books all across the county and lets you place holds to pick up items at your convenience. Ask your friendly neighborhood librarian for poetry recommendations to discover new writers.
You can also find more poetry picks on Libby, Hoopla, and Kanopy. (Library tip: use both Libby and Hoopla to maximize your book access and read, listen, or watch when you want; learn more about these two apps by reading this blog.)
Follow the BPL on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for more news like this. Check out our Calendar page to see all the programs we offer.
By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations
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