New York City Celebrates the 12th Annual Poem In Your Pocket Day

Poem in Your Pocket

April 15, 2015 - April is National Poetry Month, and throughout the month, New York City cultural and literary organizations will host poetry slams, readings, and other special programs to celebrate. The centerpiece of the festivities is the annual Poem in Your Pocket (PIYP) Day on Thursday, April 30, a citywide celebration of literacy and poetry hosted by the Office of the Mayor and the New York City Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. Below are some highlights of this year’s National Poetry Month celebration. For more, visit www.nyc.gov/poem.

Poetry in Motion: The Poet Is In
When: Thursday, April 23, 11am-6pm
Where: Fulton Street Station, Manhattan
In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Poetry Society of America presents Poetry in Motion: The Poet Is In, in partnership with MTA Arts & Design. Free and open to the public, the celebration takes place in the new Fulton Street Station and will feature a number of poets, including NY State Poet Laureate Marie Howe, PSA Frost Medalist Marilyn Nelson, and Bob Holman, founder of the Bowery Poetry Café. A variety of musicians from the Music Under New York program will perform throughout the day.
www.poetrysociety.org

Zine Fest 2015
When: April 26, 11am–6pm
Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Zine Fest returns to BHS for a second year, showcasing self-published magazines by independent writers, artists, and publishers from the five boroughs and beyond. Featuring a different line-up of 75 exhibitors, workshops and panel talks each day. This is a free event.
www.brooklynhistory.org

Queens Library Tween Poetry Contest – Arverne Idol Edition
When: Thursday, April 30, 4pm-6pm
Where: Queens Library Arverne Branch, 312 Beach 54 Street, Queens
Write a poem and read it aloud, competing with your fellow Arverne tweens for prizes! Poems will be judged by community volunteers and library staff. Other Queens Library branches are hosting additional poetry events throughout the month for youth and adults alike; visit their website for more information.
www.queenslibrary.org

Staten Island OutLOUD’s Great Poetry Giveaway
Multiple dates and locations throughout Staten Island
Throughout the month of April, Staten Island OutLOUD distributes free poems throughout the Island (North Shore, mid-Island & South Shore). Pick up a poem, keep it in your pocket, and share with people throughout the month of April. You can pick up a free poem from OutLOUD at all Staten Island branches of the NY Public Library, as well as at many community and cultural centers, including Noble Maritime Collection, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Art Lab, Alice Austen House Museum, Historic Richmond Town, Greenbelt Nature Center, Conference House Park, and more. Check their website for more information.
www.statenislandoutloud.org