Celebrate National Poetry Month 2025

April is National Poetry Month and the New Orleans Public Library has everything you need to celebrate. 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. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting to explore the genre, the Library has poetry something for everyone.

Events for all Ages

Celebrate National Poetry Month with readings from local poets published in the New Orleans Public Library’s own anthology, RENEWED.

Poetry can be an intimidating genre, but librarian and poet Katy Balma is here to help.

“As a librarian, I meet a lot of people who are interested but a little intimidated by poetry. They want to read it, but they’re afraid any book they try will prove the limits of their own intelligence. Then there are the poets themselves, many of whom have read so much that there is almost nothing they don’t already know about –– they’re hungry for something new. They’re hungry, but they’re also picky,” Katy said. “To the first group I say, ‘Poetry is like music. Everybody likes music, we just don’t all like the same kind.’ To all these groups I say, ‘Trust librarians.’ We can help you find the right books for you, though it may involve some trial and error.’”