If you’ve read past blog posts, you’ll know that I’m a fan of poetry and that April is National Poetry Month. I try to do at least one thing related to poetry at the library, even if it’s a simple display featuring titles from our poetry collection.

In the past, I’ve gone all out and used mannequins for Poetry In Your Pocket Day, featured favorite poets from staff and let a poetry slamming gorilla loose in the library. This year, I kept the display simple, using a word cloud with poetry related words and phrases.

Borrowing an idea from my days at the Lawrence Public Library, I decided to set up a “Poetry Nook” in the entryway of the library. I’ve provided pens and paper, and am encouraging patrons to write a poem and put it in the box. The poems, then, will end up in random places around town – in a library book, in a booth at the local coffee shop, etc.

My major poetry event will be for teens. Members of our Teen Advisory Board requested we do a Poetry Slam again this year. For some reason, whenever I plan one of these, I have to include a bag of frozen burritos as one of the prizes. That bag of frozen goodness is always the most coveted prize – even over a $50 gift card!

Our Youth Librarian also has gotten into the spirit of National Poetry Month and has put together a fun Poetry “Mad Lib” for the children’s area. I’m looking forward to seeing what crazy things the kids come up with!

I was also approached by FACE of Mahaska County, a local arts organization, about planning and cross promoting arts-related programs and events in Oskaloosa for Arts in April. They recently opened an art center in town, and it’s very exciting to see what they’re bringing to this small-ish community. One of the things they’re doing is yarn bombing different locations around the city – including our Reading Garden:

They’ve coordinated with a number of organizations in the community and have put together a calendar of things happening this month. From graffiti installations to a Gallery Hop to one act plays directed by high school students, there’s a lot going on!