What is the history of National Poetry Month in Canada?
• The idea to create a month dedicated to reading, writing, speaking and promoting poetry in North America began in the US, when the Academy of American Poets created the first annual National Poetry Month in1996. Fueled by a desire to help inspire people of all ages to explore this passionate art form the Academy chose April; the beginning of the season of rebirth an renewal. Two years later, National Poetry Month came to Canada by way of the efforts of the League of Canadian Poets. Like their American counterparts, the League hoped to help bring poetry into the lives of everyday people, through public events, youth initiatives, media promotion, and cooperative efforts with schools and other community organizations.
