April is National Poetry Month! This year, take time to celebrate poets and their craft by attending a poetry reading. It’s also a great time to visit local bookstores and support community poetry foundations that promote the arts. Here are a few places that are hosting events in April.

 

Poetry as Presence at the Howe Library

Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly gathering of Poetry as Presence at the Howe Library in Hanover. The group meets on the fourth Sunday of the month from 7 to 8pm. You can bring a poem to read or just come listen. If you do bring a poem, bring a published poem written by someone else and not your own creation. If you’d like to join in April, email Jared Jenisch at [email protected] for more information or for a Zoom invitation.

Open Mic Night at the Peabody Library

On April 14 from 6 to 8:30pm, join locals at the George Peabody Library to share poetry, songs, and stories. Even comedians are welcome to share their talents! This library is Thetford’s first library and is housed in the oldest library building in Vermont. The Open Mic Night is hosted by Elisabeth Horan of Feral Journal of Poetry and Art. All ages are invited to participate. Email [email protected] to sign up or get more information.

Open Mic Poetry at Village Square Booksellers

Every second Saturday of the month from 1 to 3pm, Village Square Booksellers hosts an Open Mic Poetry event. You can bring a poem to share or just come and listen. Bring your own original work or read from a favorite author. You’re welcome to share a poem or short story that’s two to four pages in length. Call (802) 463-9404 to participate as a reader or as a listener. Village Square Booksellers provides light refreshments during the event.

Richard Blanco – Poetry Reflections

On Thursday, April 6, join Richard Blanco as he shares poems from his collection How To Love a Country. This event is hosted by Vermont Humanities, the Norwich Public Library, and the Norwich Bookstore and will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church located on 262 Main Street in Norwich at 7:00pm. Blanco was selected by President Obama as the fifth inaugural poet in US history. He also made history as the first Latino, immigrant, and gay person to serve in such a role.

Mic and Mingle at Still North Books & Bar

The next quarterly Mic and Mingle event at Still North Books & Bar in Hanover is Thursday, April 20, from 7 to 9pm. Locals are welcome to come and listen or bring a poem to read. Both original works, as well as published works of others, can be shared. Call (603) 676-7846 to find out more.

 

Perhaps you’ve never attended an open mic night. The last time you read a poem might have been in your high school English class. But this spring, head out to a local spot to celebrate the craft and talent of local poets. You might just find yourself inspired to write your own poetry!