National Poetry Month was launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996 to remind the public that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters.
Here at OPL, we always celebrate poetry, but in April we get to really put that on display!
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Performance & Application Launch
Jan 3rd | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us for this performance by Oakland Youth Poet Laureate (OYPL) Poets from 2024 & years past on the day that our 2025 applications open!
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Performance & Application Launch
Jan 3rd | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Join us for this performance by Oakland Youth Poet Laureate (OYPL) Poets from 2024 & years past on the day that our 2025 applications open!
OPL Staff Share Their Words
Staff Poetry
Staff Poets at OPL
In honor of National Poetry Month, we'd love to share some staff talent. Enjoy these poems written by OPL staff.
Staff Poetry Recommendations
Poetry Book Lists
Poetry for Children
Poetry can be found in Fiction or Nonfiction, in picturebooks, chapter books, and audio kits.
2024 Teen Reading List
Our 2024 Teen Reading List picks: books from 2023 and first half of 2024 that we recommend for anyone who enjoys reading young adult genre.
2024 National Book Award Finalists
You have until November 20 to read all 25 Finalists before the winners are announced! Better get started!
Poetry for Children
Poetry can be found in Fiction or Nonfiction, in picturebooks, chapter books, and audio kits.
2024 Teen Reading List
Our 2024 Teen Reading List picks: books from 2023 and first half of 2024 that we recommend for anyone who enjoys reading young adult genre.
2024 National Book Award Finalists
You have until November 20 to read all 25 Finalists before the winners are announced! Better get started!
Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Performances
OYPL Performances
OYPL Performances and More
OYPL poets are able to perform, speak, host workshops, plan projects, & share their truths in many ways. See what they've accomplished!