Academy of American Poets to Sponsor Free Book Give-Away

New York—The Academy of American Poets will distribute hundreds of free poetry books in New York City's Bryant Park on Thursday, April 21. The book give-away is a celebration of the third annual Poem In Your Pocket Day, when New Yorkers are encouraged to carry a poem in their pockets throughout the day to share with friends, family, and colleagues.

In addition to free books, the Academy will distribute free National Poetry Month posters, as April also marks the 10th annual National Poetry Month, the Academy's signature program. The free books, posters, and bookmarks will be available one per person, while supplies last. The event will begin at 11:00 AM at the Bryant Park Reading Room and last until 2:00 PM.

Poem In Your Pocket Day is a project of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in conjunction with the Mayor's Office, the Department of Education, the City University of New York and the New York Times.

The Bryant Park Reading Room is a project of the Bryant Park Restoration Project. Directions to Bryant Park: Subways B,D,F,V, to 6th Ave.@ 42nd St. 7 line to 5th Ave.@ 42nd St.; Bus M1,M2,M3,M4,Q32 to 5th Ave.@ 42nd St.; M5,M6,M7 to 6th Ave. @ 42nd Street.

For more information, visit the websites of the Department of Cultural Affairs, or the Bryant Park Reading Room.

The Academy of American Poets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1934 to foster appreciation for contemporary poetry and to support American poets at all stages of their careers.