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The Chicago Public Library (CPL) is set to celebrate National Poetry Month this April with a variety of events across its branches. These events aim to engage Chicago residents in the world of poetry through workshops, open mics, readings, and more.
Throughout the month, CPL will offer a diverse lineup of poets and presenters. The celebration will conclude with the 26th Annual Poetry Festival at Harold Washington Library Center on April 26th.
Some highlighted events include "The Power of Form" with Stuti Sharma on April 3rd at Northtown Branch, and "Poetry, Power, Peace: A Gospel Therapy Experiential Workshop" on April 5th at West Pullman Branch. There will also be an "Ars Poetica: Bilingual Poetry Workshop" with Brighton Park Poets on April 6th at Brighton Park Branch.
In addition to workshops, CPL will host book clubs such as "Here to Stay: Poetry and Prose from the Undocumented Diaspora" on April 19th at Lozano Branch. Documentary screenings are also part of the program, including "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise" on April 5th at Avalon Branch.
The library has curated reading lists for different age groups under "Poetry Month for Kids 2025," "Poetry Month for Teens 2025," and recent highlights for National Poetry Month 2025.
