Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will be hosting a variety of programs for all ages in observance of National Poetry Month throughout the month of April.
Celebrated annually, National Poetry Month gives word lovers a chance to engage with poetry, and to reflect on the role the art form plays in bolstering human culture. To foster these themes, PGCMLS branch libraries will be hosting poetry-themed writing sessions for kids, teens, and adults (including a social justice-focused session with former Prince George’s County Poet Laureate, Sistah Joy!), along with various opportunities for budding poets to perform their own work. The Oxon Hill, Laurel, and Upper Marlboro Branch Libraries will also be hosting a trio of special National Poetry Month programs for all ages, featuring former Maryland Poet Laureate Grace Cavalieri and current Prince George’s County Poet Laureate, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman.
Finally, the Bowie Branch Library will be hosting the 10th Annual Prince George's County Youth Poet Laureate Finals on Saturday, May 3, where 10 talented county residents, ages 13-19, will compete for the title of 2025 Youth Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County. Come cheer on some of your most talented young neighbors!
See below for an expanded events calendar for both April celebrations, and links to individual event listings.
National Poetry Month Featured Events
Saturday, April 5 – Saturday, May 3 | Multiple Branches
Saturday, April 5 – Friday, April 11
-
Saturday, April 5 at 11am | South Bowie Branch Library | Kids 5-12, Teens, and Adults | Free
Social Justice Themes in African Poetry: Writing Your Own Poetry Presented by the National Museum of Language and Poet Sistah Joy
Join us for an exciting event that blends powerful social justice poetry from Africa with a fun, hands-on poetry workshop. Hear poems from 12 countries in ten languages, from Ancient Egypt to today’s diaspora in Maryland. Learn how to express your own voice for social justice by writing poems using words, shapes, and sounds.
-
Monday, April 7 at 3:30 pm | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Kids 5-12, Teens, and Adults | Free
Poetry Night
Novice to experienced writers are welcome to share their creative voice through poetry. Bring a poem to read or just listen to local poets.
-
Wednesday, April 9 at 4 pm | Hillcrest Heights Branch Library | Kids 5-12 | Free
Crafternoon: Blackout Poetry
Celebrate National Poetry Month while having fun crafting and creating! Supplies are provided.
-
Thursday, April 10 at 3 pm | Spauldings Branch Library | Teens | Free
National Poetry Month: Book #Shelfies
Channel your inner poet-laureate while using book titles as your muse! You will create a visual, 3D poem made from your selection of books from the library, stacked in order to share your verses. Then, we’ll welcome you to perform your poem(s) to celebrate your love for poetry.
-
Tuesday, April 22 at 4 pm | Hyattsville Branch Library | Kids 5-12 | Free
Story Explorers: Celebrate National Poetry Month
Listen to poems from famous poets and then create your own poem.
Saturday, April 12 – Friday, April 18
-
Saturday, April 12 at 1 pm | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Free
National Poetry Month Celebration With Collective Voices and former Maryland State Poet Laureate, Grace Cavalieri
Join us for a National Poetry Month celebration presented by Collective Voices, featuring a powerful poetry reading. The evening will include African drumming, with Doc Powell playing Djembe, and a special presentation by Grace Cavalieri, former Maryland Poet Laureate, as our Poet of Distinction.
-
Monday, April 14 at 3:30 pm | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Free
Poetry Night
Novice to experienced writers are welcome to share their creative voice through poetry. Bring a poem to read or just listen to local poets.
-
Tuesday, April 15 at 5 pm | Upper Marlboro Branch Library | Kids 5-12, Teens, and Adults | Free
W.E.B. Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, Langston Hughes, and Black American Culture & Arts Presented by PGC Poet Laureate, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman
Moderated by Dr. Ali-Coleman, this National Poetry Month celebration will explore the contributions of W.E.B. Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, and Langston Hughes in shaping Black American culture and arts. Du Bois and Johnson argued that African American artistic traditions were uniquely American, while Hughes captured the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance in his poetry. The evening will begin with poetry readings by local poets.
-
Tuesday, April 15 at 5 pm | Glenarden Branch Library | Adults | Free
Craft and Create: Blackout Poetry
Learn how to create blackout poetry using books, magazines, and newspapers.
-
Tuesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm | South Bowie Branch Library | Teens and Adults | Free
With Pen in Hand: Poetry
Novice to experienced poets/writers are welcome to find their creative voice through writing. Share ideas, be inspired and participate in group critiques.
-
Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 pm | Virtual | Adults | Free
Writers' Group: The Write Time Poetry Book Workshop
Learn how to write, edit and compose a poetry book to help kickstart your literary reputation and build your bibliography with your debut poetry collection.
Saturday, April 19 – Friday, April 25
-
Monday, April 21 at 3:30 pm | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Kids 5-12, Teens, and Adults | Free
Poetry Night
Novice to experienced writers are welcome to share their creative voice through poetry. Bring a poem to read or just listen to local poets.
-
Tuesday, April 22 at 6 pm | Accokeek Branch Library | Teens and Adults | Free
Craft and Create: Blackout Poetry
Come celebrate National Poetry Month with us by learning all about blackout poetry and then creating your very own blackout poem! Supplies will be provided.
Saturday, April 26 – Saturday, May 3
- Tuesday, April 29 at 5 pm | Laurel Branch Library | Adults | Free
The Lives & Works of George Schuyler, Richard Wright, Paul Robeson, Margaret Walker & Jean Toomer Presented by PGC Poet Laureate, Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman
This National Poetry Month event will explore the lives and legacies of key Harlem Renaissance figures: George Schuyler, Margaret Walker, Paul Robeson, and Jean Toomer. The discussion will highlight their significant contributions to shaping America’s cultural and artistic landscape.
-
Tuesday, April 29 at 6 pm | South Bowie Branch Library | Teens and Adults | Free
With Pen in Hand: Poetry
Novice to experienced poets/writers are welcome to find their creative voice through writing. Share ideas, be inspired and participate in group critiques.
-
Saturday, May 3 at 2:30 pm | Bowie Branch Library | Teens and Adults | Free
The 10th Annual Prince George's County Youth Poet Laureate Finals Presented by the Dialect of Prince George's County
Join us as 10 talented county residents, ages 13-19, compete for the title of 2025 Youth Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County. Each finalist will perform and be honored for their artistic talent, bravery, and dedication to their community.
Expect stunning performances, heartfelt reflections, and a few surprises as we celebrate a decade of amplifying youth voices in our county! Hosted by Patrick Washington, with a special appearance by 2024’s outgoing Prince George’s County Youth Poet Laureate, Saniya Pearson!
Graphics Package
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.
