National Poetry Month at San Antonio Public Library
Published on April 03, 2023
Programs, book lists, and activities offered throughout April
SAN ANTONIO (April 3, 2023) – April is National Poetry Month and San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is offering many ways to celebrate and get creative this April. Visit the Library’s website to browse poetry selections by Library staff and view a list of upcoming poetry-related programs throughout the month.
National Poetry Month Events:
National Poetry Month: Poetry Open Mic
Monday, April 3, 6 – 7 p.m.
Westfall Branch Library (6111 Rosedale Ct., 78201, Directions)
Join us for a poetry open mic in celebration of National Poetry Month featuring published poet Enedina Irene with musical stylings by Anthony Prater. We invite you to share your own poetry or listen to the poetry of others.
Poetry for Performance
Saturday, April 8, 1 – 2:15 p.m. (Registration Information)
Saturday, April 15, 1 – 2:15 p.m. (Registration Information)
Cody Library (11441 Vance Jackson, 78230, Directions)
A two-day, generative workshop where attendees focus on writing and performing poetry. Whether open mics or poetry slams, Poetry for Performance teaches how to write poetry that will eventually arrive on a stage. The workshop will include writing, editing, and performance coaching and is designed for writers of any skill level.
Registration is required. You do NOT have to attend the first workshop to attend the second.
Poetry Celebration with the Wyrdd writers
Saturday, April 8, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Central Library (600 Soledad, TX 78205, Directions)
Join us for a special reading with Texas-based poets the Wyrdd Writers (pronounced “Weird Writers”). Enjoy their reflections on celebrations!
April is the Coolest Month
Saturday, April 22, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Bazan Branch Library (2200 W. Commerce, TX 78207, Directions)
Celebrate National Poetry Month with Voces Cósmicas. Join us for an afternoon of poetry with Fernando Esteban Flores, Gerardo Carrasco, Ed Cody, Alicia Zavala Galván, Suzanne Green, Carlos Loera, Susana Nevarez-Marqúez, Rod Carlos Rodriguez: Visiting Poet & others. Special Musical guests: Mario Arias Project.
Music at the Time of William Shakespeare
Saturday, April 22, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Central Library (600 Soledad, TX 78205, Directions)
A performer will read a selection of Shakespeare's sonnets in celebration of National Poetry Month and National Shakespeare Day. The program will be followed by a Q and A. The San Antonio Recorder Society will perform music of the High Renaissance, including dance tunes collected by the great musicologist Michael Praetorius and dancing master Gregorio Lambranzi, as well as instrumental performances of madrigals by contemporary English composers such as Thomas Morley.
Ekphrastic Celebration: Readings by Contest Winners & Commissioned Poets
Tuesday, April 25, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Central Library (600 Soledad, TX 78205, Directions)
Join us as we enjoy an evening of poetry with this year's Ekphrastic Poetry Contest Winners and Commissioned Poets! Commissioned poets include James Dennis, John Phillip Santos, Sheila Black, Natalia Trevino, and Aminah Dece.
What is Ekphrastic Poetry? In simplest terms, an ekphrastic poem is one written in response to another art form: a visual work of art; a piece of music or dance.
Open-Mic Poetry Reading
Saturday, April 29, 12 – 2 p.m.
Central Library (600 Soledad, TX 78205, Directions)
Poets of all ages will have an opportunity to read their own works and share their words with fellow poets. Participants will have five minutes per reading for up to two readings per poet. All ages and writing levels are welcome!