Poem in your Pocket Day

Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in April 2002 by the Office of the Mayor in New York City, in partnership with the city's Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all fifty United States, encouraging individuals around the country to participate.

The UWSP Libraries has been celebrating this day for several years with local community organizations, Portage County Literacy Council, Portage County Public Library, CREATE Portage County, and THE STORE. 

We will miss distributing poems on campus today, and throughout the community. However, there are virtual ways to celebrate the day. 

• Select a poem and share it on social media using the hashtag #pocketpoem. 
• Share one of the audio or video poems on the UWSP Libraries' Guide 
• Print a poem from the Poem in Your Pocket Day PDF and draw an image from the poem in the white space, or use the instructions on pages 59-60 of the PDF to make an origami swan. 
• Record a video of yourself reading a poem, then share it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or another social media platform you use. 
• Email a poem to your friends, family, neighbors, or local government leaders.
• Schedule a video chat and read a poem to your loved ones.
• Add a poem to your email footer.
• Read a poem out loud from your porch, window, backyard or outdoor space. 
• Make a poetry playlist.
• Organize a poetry reading, open mic, or poetry slam via a video conferencing service. 
• Take a walk and write a poem outside with sidewalk chalk (maybe not in the rain).
• Record yourself reading a poem, and share why you chose that workonline using the hashtag #ShelterinPoems. Be sure to tag @poetsorg on twitter and instagram!