April is National Poetry Month, and the Gunn Memorial Library and the Washington Business Association invite you to join us in celebrating poetry in our community throughout the month.
In addition to fun poetry events being hosted around town, favorite poems will be chosen by community members and will be displayed in store windows and other prominent locations for everyone to enjoy.
Mark your calendars with these featured events and check back, as more events will be added!
All Month
Gunn Memorial Library
The library invites you to embrace your inner poet! Throughout the month, we’ll have passive poetry prompts at the library—simple, inspiring, and ready for you to bring to life. All you have to do is write a short poem and you’ll receive a limited edition “For the Love of Poetry” button to wear as a proud poet.
All Month
The Hickory Stick Bookshop
As part of “For The Love of Poetry” celebration in Washington, The Hickory Stick Bookshop we will be hosting the Book Spine Poetry event, where customers will be asked to make up a simple poem using only titles of books and then type it up on an antique typewriter! Additionally, the bookshop will display their “Poetree” at which customers can write their favorite poem and hang it on the tree.
All Month
All Around Town
We invite you to visit the displays of poetry in the windows of shops and organizations around town. See list of locations below!
WASHINGTON DEPOT
Edmond Town Hall
Washington Art Association
American Legion Hall
The Ideas Depot
Union Savings Bank
Washington Food Market
Judy Black Memorial Park
Five Janes – Sponsor
Washington Liquor
Washington Supply
The Hickory Stick Bookshop – Sponsor
The Hen’s Nest – Sponsor
Marty’s Cafe
National Iron Bank
Depot Dog
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty – Sponsor
The Pantry
Titus Garage
Washington Business Association – Sponsor
WASHINGTON GREEN
Gunn Memorial Library – Sponsor
Gunn Museum
The Po
The First Congregational Church
NEW PRESTON
The Owl
Privet House
Pergola
Sweets
All Month
The Po Cafe
Celebrate Washington’s “For the Love of Poetry” event with haiku writing at The Po Cafe! Customers are invited to write a haiku poem to be posted in the windows. At the end of April, staff members will each pick a haiku and the writers will win a savory or sweet menu item.
Wednesday, April 2nd
The Pantry
Share your love of poetry at The Pantry’s Open Mic Night on the first Wednesday of each month! Readings start at 6:00pm. Dinner and drinks available from 5:30pm-6:00pm.
Saturday, April 5th
Hopkins Vineyard
What better way to spend an afternoon than sipping wine and listening to great works of poetry. In this workshop, Kathleen Kryspin, English teacher, will take you on a journey of poems from Shakespeare, Keats, Yeats, Dickinson and more. Come treat your soul to an afternoon of inspiring verse.
Monday, April 7th
Gunn Memorial Library
April is National Poetry Month and Gunn Memorial Library is celebrating with a special tribute to the power of words and creativity. Join us as we screen the iconic and inspiring film Dead Poets Society, a timeless story that continues to spark conversation and ignite a passion for poetry.
Thursday, April 10th
Gunn Memorial Library
Blackout poetry is a playful and accessible form of artistic expression in which participants transform existing text into original poetry by blacking out select words. No writing experience is needed—just a willingness to experiment! Attendees will enjoy complimentary snacks while crafting their own poetic creations. All materials provided.
Monday, April 14th
Gunn Memorial Library
Gather in the library’s Children’s Room for the Children’s Poetry Story Hour with Miss Linda—an educational, poetry-themed event filled with rhythm, rhyme, and creativity. Miss Linda will lead the way with stories celebrating the joy of words and imagination. This experience invites young listeners to explore the magic of poetry. After story time, children will explore writing their own poems.
Wednesday, April 16th
The Hen’s Nest Gallery
All are welcome to join Open Mic Night at The Hen’s Nest! Read a poem, tell a story, sing, play an instrument, do a magic trick. People share and listen. It is a fun evening of the unexpected and spontaneous.
Thursday, April 17th
Gunn Memorial Library
Join us as we explore three contemporary U.S. poets who build upon and reshape the confessional form that Sylvia Plath and Robert Lowell pioneered. We will focus on the latest collections from Ellen Bass, Dorianne Laux, and Mark Doty and examine how these poets transform personal experiences through their craft.
Thursday, April 24th
Hickory Stick Bookshop
As part of Washington’s celebration of National Poetry Month, “For The Love of Poetry”, The Hickory Stick Bookshop will be hosting a poetry reading on Thursday April 24th at 5.00 pm, in the bookstore. The poets who will be reading are Cheryl Della Pelle, Amanda McGrew, and Davyne Verstandig. This event is free and open to the public – we hope you can join us.
Friday, April 25th
Virtual & In-Person at Private Residence in Washington
Poet and writer, Robert L. Arnold, from Helena, Arkansas is a child of the Mississippi River delta. Deep interest in the likes of Vonnegut, Hunter Thompson and Voltaire combined with his multifarious degrees shape Arnold’s work. This very special night is part of Washington’s monthlong, town wide celebration of poetry. The program will take place on April 25 at 6:00 in a private home on West Mountain Road.
Saturday, April 26th
Hickory Stick Bookshop
The Hickory Stick Bookshop is happy to be celebrating the 12th Anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 26th! This year’s event will include celebratory mimosas, a contest to find the Golden Ticket for Libro.fm, a celebration of National Poetry Month with Book Spine Poetry that customers can type up on an antique typewriter and add poems to the Poetree.
Saturday, April 26th
Gunn Memorial Library
Gunn Memorial Library is thrilled to host Litchfield poet and photographer Jo-Ann Iannotti for an inspiring program that celebrates creativity and artistic expression. Through heartfelt stories, evocative poetry, and striking imagery, Jo-Ann invites attendees to explore the transformative potential of art.
