National Poetry Month
The best place to celebrate National Poetry Month is at your Milwaukee Public Library. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring book of poetry, or are interested in writing your own, the library should be your first stop. A wonderful array of poetry programs at the library includes activities for children, teens and adults.
2023 Teen Poetry Contest: March 27-April 21
Do you have a way with words? Milwaukee youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to submit an original poem online between March 27 and April 21, 2023. Prizes will be awarded to the top two poems in three age categories: 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18.
2023 Teen Poetry Contest Flyer | Poster
Mario "The Poet" & Friends National Poetry Month Tour
Poetry Month Tour Flyer
Join Mario "The Poet" Willis and Friends for a celebration of National Poetry Month in your neighborhood! Each event includes poetry read by the author and an Open Mic session facilitated by Ryeshia Farmer. All ages are welcome to participate.
Saturday, April 1, 3-4:30 p.m. | East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St.
Saturday, April 8, 3-4:30 p.m. | Bay View Branch, 2566 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Saturday, April 15, 12-1:30 p.m. | Washington Park Branch, 2121 N. Sherman Blvd.
Saturday, April 22, 3-4:30 p.m. | Villard Square Branch, 5190 N. 35th St.
Thursday, April 27, 4-5:30 p.m. | Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.
National Poetry Month Writing Workshop and Open Mic
Saturday, April 15, 1-4 p.m. | East Branch, 2320 N. Cramer St.
Wear your best Milwaukee-themed apparel (shirts, caps, hoodies) to celebrate the return of open mic poetry to the East Branch Library. Let's set the space ablaze with energy as we enjoy performances from the home-grown poets and storytellers of Milwaukee. 1-2 p.m. - Milwaukee-themed writing workshop with Darlin Nikki Janzen (bring a notebook and pen). 2-4 p.m. - Opening performance by Milwaukee Poet Laureate Mario Willis. Then open mic performances and a closing performance by Darlin' Nikki Janzen. Hosted by Kavon Cortez Jones.
Art Fusion- Wild Tails!
Wednesday, April 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.
Do you have a favorite wild animal: lions, giraffes, wildebeests, or bears? Do you know what their tails look like? Write concrete poetry about your favorite animals-in the shape of their tails!
National Poetry Month: Haiku Story Time
Saturday, April 29, 10-10:45 a.m. | Central, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
April is Poetry Month! All month long we will celebrate reading and writing poetry with some fun and inspiring table crafts. Join us on Saturday, April 29th to learn about haikus and make your own syllable counting drum!
Teen Poetry Fest
Saturday, April 29, 2-4:30 p.m. | Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell St.
Winners will be announced at the Teen Poetry Fest. Join us for a celebration of poetry with an Open Mic, the chance to record your work in the Northwestern Mutual Foundation Studio M Makerspace Sound Booth, and a variety of creative stations to express yourself! Light refreshments will be served.