April Is Poetry Month 2026
Keeping poetry local in Waupaca!
Proud to co-sponsor these events with:
April is Poetry Month is Waupaca’s ode to National Poetry Month…What is it?
National Poetry Month is an annual celebration of poetry held every April in the United States. It was launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry and its vital place in American culture. Inspired by the success of similar literary observances, the initiative quickly became the largest literary celebration in the world.
Throughout April, schools, libraries, bookstores, and cultural organizations host readings, workshops, contests, and community events to highlight the work of poets past and present. The month also encourages individuals to read, write, and share poetry. One popular tradition is “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” when people carry a favorite poem to share with others.
National Poetry Month honors the contributions of influential poets such as Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Maya Angelou, while also promoting contemporary voices. Overall, the celebration aims to make poetry accessible, engaging, and an essential part of everyday life.
“Poetry for a Shared World” Poetry Contest
2026 Poetry Contest
Join us for our “Poetry for a Shared World” poetry contest. We invite you to write a poem and be a part of Poetry Month with us. Any length or style of poem will be accepted. One poem per poet. Submissions will be accepted March 1 - April 4.
Winners will be selected and notified by April 20.
The WCAB Poetry Committee will select a first, second, and third place contest winner, who will each receive a gift card and be offered the opportunity to read their poetry at the Poetry Reading & Open Mic Night, April 29, at the Waupaca Public Library.
Submissions accepted online or drop off at the Waupaca Public Library, marked — Attn: Laura Jandecek.
Poetry Reading
Poetry Reading & Open Mic Night
April 29
6 - 8 p.m.
Waupaca Public Library — Downstairs Meeting Room
Free
An evening of poetry! Enjoy hearing works from our featured poet of April is Poetry Month, Phillys Shidell. UWSP “Rising Voices” poetry club will present poetry the students have written in Assistant Professor Freesia McKee’s eco-poetry class at UWSP. Our poetry contest winners will also be invited to read their winning poem and other pieces of poetry.
Throw your name in a hat, to have the opportunity to read your own original poetry aloud. Refreshments will be provided. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to read at the Open Mic Night-poetry edition!
Fun at Waupaca Public Library throughout Poetry Month
Poet Tree
A poet tree is a symbolic representation of creativity and expression, where each branch of the tree is akin to a verse, and its roots delve deep into the fertile soil of imagination.
The library will have colorful leaves for you to leave a poem on the Poet Tree! As the leaves will eventually return to the trees come spring, help us fill the tree with leaves and share your words with your community.
Located at the Waupaca Public Library
WCAB Facebook Poetry Group
This page is brought to you by the Waupaca Community Arts Board and Poetry Committee Members. This group page is where you can post your original poems or share poetry that moves and inspires you. WCAB poetry lovers encourage your creativity! Anyone can post or share a poem! We hope that you can use this space to share your original writings but also share and discuss all things POETRY!