National Poetry Month marks tenth anniversary

Sussex County-Next month, millions of people throughout the United States will commemorate the 10th annual National Poetry Month, a program established by the Academy of American Poets to rally Americans to a greater appreciation of contemporary poetry. Since its inception in April 1996, the month-long celebration has grown to include thousands of events staged by publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country. In concert with the related events taking place nationwide, Olde Village Book Cellar and The Thing Magazine are organizing a county-wide poetry contest. The contest is free to join and open to people of all ages, with submissions due no later than April 10. In addition to the contest, the Book Cellar is hosting an Open Mike Night for amateur and professional poets. "National Poetry Month is just a great time to celebrate poetry and the vital role it plays in our lives," noted Carol Hutchinson, who manages Olde Village Book Cellar in Olde Lafayette Village and is coordinating the contest. "The first stories we hear from our parents are nursery rhymes. We learn to read with Dr. Seuss. We spend our teen years listening to music and so many great songwriters are great poets. Eventually we become parents and pass the language of poetry down to yet another generation." More information on National Poetry Month events is available at Olde Village Book Cellar in Olde Lafayette Village, or can be obtained by calling 973-383-0040.