Poetry

This April, Jacksonville Public Library is highlighting the life and poetry of Alan Justiss (1943-2011), a celebrated Jacksonville poet whose works have recently been acquired by our Special Collections department. This panel discussion will be moderated by artist and educator, Nestor Gil. They'll talk about Justiss’ life and legacy, read selections of his poetry, and a preview of an upcoming documentary. An audience Q&A will follow the presentation.

April is National Poetry Month and we've got some great recommendations for you, including some books of poetry by local poets like Jessica Q. Stark! Whether you enjoy reading poetry or writing it yourself, we also have several programs and drop-in activities happening around the library system including a poetry program double-header (Lit Chat and Writer's Lab) at Willow Branch Library on Saturday, April 13!

Celebrate our community's deep pool of creative talent on the first Wednesday of each month in Downtown Jacksonville! The Main Library is directly across from James Weldon Johnson Park, from one of Art Walk's three major hubs of activity, and plays host to student art shows, Author's Roundtables, teen open mic nights and more! Plus, it's the perfect time to take a self-guided tour of murals, maps and public art found throughout your library headquarters.

Whether you write love sonnets in secret, perform your own lyrics on stage, rock the mic at slam poetry or just really enjoy sitting down with a good poetry collection and a cup of tea - April is your time to shine! And what better place than the Library to get your poetry fix?!

Join us this month at the Library for drop-in activities, Lit Chat author events, and more! 

How do you talk to kids about slavery? In the new book, An American Story, New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander's unparalleled poetry combines with debut illustrator Dare Coulter's singular art to present a sweeping account of our country's founding. They'll join us, as part of their book tour, for an interview with Jacksonville's own Rahman Johnson to talk about how they put this book together and what they want readers to take away from it. The book and this interview program are intended for middle and high schoolers, educators, parents, and caregivers.

Earlier this year, a simple call went out to local students: submit an original poem, not to exceed one page in length, celebrating Jacksonville’s Bicentennial. Students were given a simple prompt: "Looking back, moving forward. Take a look back at our City's history while imagining our bold future!” Last month, winners were notified and given the opportunity to read their award-winning poems on camera.

There are so many ways to celebrate National Poetry Month. Some people mark the occasion by reading great poems, others by writing them! You can do both at the Library!