Perfect National Poetry Month NYPL Events For Young Writers

Every April, writers across the country celebrate National Poetry Month. But this event isn’t adults-only: There are plenty of ways for kids to get involved with all different styles of poetry. The New York Public Library system has created a series events to inspire and educate future poets all month.

Bronx

National Poetry Month Workshop
April 3, 10, 17, 24
4-4:30pm
Ages 4-12

Every Tuesday in April, kids can gather at Mosholu Library to hone their craft. Whether their writing skews serious or silly and they’re experienced or a novice, there’s space for anyone who’s interested in exploring the written word; attend every week and find friends just as interested in poetry as your child is. Moshulu Library, 285 East 205th Street, nypl.org

Window Poetry
April 4
3pm

Kids 5 and up can dress up the windows in the Teen Corner with their favorite quotes to celebrate National Poetry Month. Francis Martin Library, 2150 University Avenue, nypl.org

Flower Poetry
April 5
3pm

This event is part-poetry, part-crafts. After kids draw a flower, they will use the parts of their drawing–stem, leaves, and petals–to create their own poems about spring, perfect for April! Tremont Library, 1866 Washington Avenue, nypl.org

Rhyme Time Poetry Slam
April 10
4:30pm

Kids ages 3-12 can take some time to work on their writing, focusing primarily on haikus, couplets, and free verse poems. Writers will be able to share their work with their peers at the end (that’s where the slam comes in)! Woodstock Library, 761 East 160th Street, nypl.org

Fortune Cookie Poetry
April 11
3:30pm

You know those little predictions that come on fortune cookie papers? Kids will draw inspiration from those in their own writing and come up with short poems that they can tuck inside a cookie. Francis Martin Library, 2150 University Avenue, nypl.org

Poetic Decathalon!
April 17
3:30pm

This event, designed for kids ages 13-18, will let writers explore 10 different ways they can make their poetry stand out. They’ll be able to read the works of prolific poets and learn about imagery, voice, tone, and more to develop their own styles and hone their editing processes. Belmont Library and Enrico Fermi Cultural Center, 610 East 186th Street, nypl.org

The Persona Poem
April 18
3pm

In this workshop, writers 13-18 can learn about the construction of the persona poem and how to write in the first person with another speaker’s voice. By putting on a persona, often poets find they are far more able to reveal truths or secrets behind a sort of mask. Baychester Library, 2049 Asch Loop North, nypl.org

Slam Poetry Workshop
April 18
3:30pm

Teens can gather in this space to write, workshop, and share their slam poems in a judgement-free zone. Francis Martin Library, 2150 University Avenue, nypl.org

Poetry Slam
April 24
5pm

Attendees at this event can share a poem they love or one of their own (though plenty of poems could be both)! Sign up at the Teen Desk to perform. The slam is open to all. Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road, nypl.org

Poetry Wall
April 25
3:30pm

Let imaginations run wild as kids write their favorite poems and poems of their own on the library’s outdoor chalk wall. Francis Martin Library, 2150 University Avenue, nypl.org

Manhattan

Haiku You
April 19
4pm

Everyone knows the structure of the classic Japanese poetry form of the haiku (cheat code: 5-7-5), and this class makes it personal. Teens can write haikus specifically about how they define themselves (what makes you “you”). Some poems may be featured in the Teen Zone. Washington Heights Library, 1000 St. Nicholas Avenue, nypl.org

Teen Book Club
April 24
3:45-5pm

For this meeting of the Teen Book Club, readers will discuss The Poet X, about a girl named Xiomara who pours out all of her feelings into her journals. After joining her school’s slam poetry club, she thinks about performing her work. Join the group for snacks and discussion. Columbus Library, 742 10th Avenue, nypl.org

Be sure to keep an eye out for other library events, and don’t forget to check out the goings-on at Poets House (a reading/discussion and Poem in Your Pocket Day) and throughout the city too!

This Is Cooperstown

Nicknamed America's hometown, Cooperstown has small-town charm and world-class attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame &amp; Museum, a must-see for fans of the game and the ultimate homage to America's Pastime. Discover fine, folk, and Native American art at Fenimore Art Museum, acclaimed and varied performances at the Glimmerglass Festival, craft beer at Brewery Ommegang and Red Shed Brewery, fresh cider from the Fly Creek Cider Mill, great restaurants, four-season events, and outdoor fun.

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.