Celebrate National Poetry Month Events Around Union County!

April is National Poetry Month! 

The Academy of American Poets established National Poetry Month in 1996 to champion the critical importance of poetry in our lives. A number of events are scheduled in venues all across Union County to observe and celebrate the month. 

I will be kicking off the month this Saturday, April 6, 2019 by attending Poetry, Pastry, and Punch from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Central Park in Roselle. This exciting event is being presented by the Independent Authors Book Experience (IABX) with sponsorship from the Roselle Chamber of Commerce (see poster at right). 

On Tuesday, April 23, The Little Theater at Kean University will play host to An Evening of Poetry with Paul Muldoon. Read more about the Pulitzer Prize-winning Muldoon at: 
Union County Celebrates National Poetry Month This event is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders (through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs). Below is just a partial listing of planned events around Union County. Check in your own hometown for more!

Rahway: Friday, April 5, 6:00 PM - Poetry at the Pit: Youth Open Mic - The Cherry Pit
Roselle: Saturday, April 6, 5:00 PM - Poetry, Pastry, and Punch - Central Park
Rahway: Saturday, April 6, 6:00 PM What's the Word on Cherry Street - Atelier Rosal Gallery
Linden: Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 PM - Nature in Verse - Free Public Library (3rd Fl Columbia Bank Room)
Summit: Sunday, April 14, 2:00 PM - The Writers Circle: Tea & Poetry - MONDO
Fanwood: Tuesday, April 16, 8:00 PM - Carriage House Poetry Series - Fanwood Borough Hall
Plainfield: Wednesday, April 24, 4:00 PM - Family Open Mic - Plainfield Public Library

As noted on the Academy of American Poets website, the main objectives are to: 

• highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets
• encourage the reading of poems
• assist teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms
• increase the attention paid to poetry by national and local media
• encourage increased publication and distribution of poetry books  
• encourage support for poets and poetry

Click on the hyperlinks to get more information on the ways in which you can support poetry in your life. There are links for teachers, librarians, and all those who love poetry--in addition, click on the link below for 30 ways to rejoice and enjoy poetry!

30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

Also, check out this fantastic calendar for open mic events all around New Jersey!

New Jersey Open Mikes