To coincide with the coming Spring, each April we celebrate National Poetry Month here in the United States. Starting in 1996, and organized by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month was introduced as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. The Academy of American Poets’ website, poets.org, serves as a primary resource for information about local poetry events during the month. The organization also provides free educational resources to teachers for classroom use and interactive activities. To help ring in the annual literary celebration, Oblong Books & Music, the beloved local literature and music shop with locations in Millerton and Rhinebeck, NY, is bringing back its contact less curbside pickup service once more.
“In April we celebrate National Poetry Month. Of course we think poetry is worth your notice all year long, but take a
minute this month to read a poem or two (or twenty),” says Suzanna Hermans per the Oblong newsletter. “Whether you’re a poetry fan or haven’t read a poem since high school, now is the perfect time to make some new discoveries.” Additionally, the folks at Oblong will be officially offering a Contact less Curbside Pickup once again. Customers and avid readers will now see this option at checkout when placing an order online. Booksellers will let customers know when their order is ready for pickup and will place the order outside the store’s front door when customers arrive at an Oblong shop.
National Poetry Month was inspired in part by the overwhelming response to Black History Month, held each February, as well as Women’s History Month, held in March. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the value, educational, as well as historical benefits of a similar month-long holiday to celebrate poetry with the first National Poetry Month being held in 1996. Each year, a special poster is commissioned by the Academy of American Poets for National Poetry Month, with almost 150,000 copies distributed to schools, libraries, and community centers as part of a national donation made in honor of the literary tradition.
During this time, Oblong Books & Music is offering many online deals available for readers across the area to take advantage of through their website. For more information or to place an order visit oblongbooks.com