National Poetry Month 2023

"April is National Poetry Month. Launched in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets, National Poetry Month is an annual opportunity to recognize the importance of poetry and poets in our culture. DC Public Library invites you to celebrate with us by checking out some wonderful books, participating in the 2023 Haiku Contest and more!

Haiku Contest

Celebrate National Poetry Month with DC Public Library! Residents ages 6 and up are invited to submit a haiku to the 2023 Haiku Contest from Apr. 1 - 30.

Write a haiku about one of the following themes:

✎ a DC moment / observed in DC,

✎ something you're grateful for,

✎ seasons, or

✎ something small and wild.

Each participating library will select a winner in the following age categories, Children (6-12), Teen (13-19) and Adult (20+). Prize-winners will take home library swag and have their poem posted in the library and on the DC Public Library's website in May! There is a limit of two entries per person. " Submit your entry here.