This column, featuring OPL's National Poetry initiatives, appeared in the April 13, 2025, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE). It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).
Omaha Public Library helping readers discover something new during National Poetry Month
April marks National Poetry Month, which is both a call to celebrate the art of poetry and also an invitation to explore. Whether you’ve been writing sonnets for years or have never cracked open a book of poetry, Omaha Public Library can help you discover something new.
If you’re curious to read some poetry but don’t know where to begin, OPL has you covered. Staff-curated booklists include everything from contemporary poets who write about everyday life, identity, and love, to compendiums of notable works.
Some standout recommendations include “So Far So Good” by Ursula K. Le Guin, the award-winning author who is often most associated with her science fiction and fantasy novels but started her career as a poet. Michael Korda’s “Muse of Fire” explores World War I history as seen through the lives of soldier poets, while Teresa Peterson’s “Perennial Ceremony: Lessons and Gifts from a Dakota Garden” takes readers through a garden’s seasons via a collection of prose, poetry and recipes.
If you’d like more custom recommendations, OPL staff can help you find your next read by preparing a Custom Reading List. Fill out the online form stating your preferences and request at omahalibrary.org/find-your-next-read, opens a new window, and staff will make recommendations based on books or authors you enjoyed in the past.
Another great place to start? Check out OPL’s podcast “The Book Drop.” In the April 11 episode, the hosts sat down with Jewel Rodgers, Nebraska’s State Poet, to talk about her origin story, writing journey and how she is working to make poetry more accessible to communities.
“I’ve always just really been very community-focused, very community-driven, very interested in building those connections. So naturally it does come out in the way that I’m expressing my art out in public and also the approach that I’m taking to different showcases and performances, things of that nature,” said Rodgers.
The discussion also includes recommendations on how to get started reading and writing poetry.
“It’s important and it’s fair to know yourself and it’s fair to be where you’re at wherever you are at, and then at the same time when you are ready to continue practicing and continue pushing your limits about what you think you can do and what you think you are capable of,” Rodgers said as she explained the importance of practice and being part of the community.
Through collaborations with groups like the Nebraska Writers Collective, OPL helps bring poetry into everyday spaces with events like writing workshops and the Teen Poetry Bash which is hosted each December.
National Poetry Month can help anyone find something new to explore and find language that inspires connection and reflection. And with resources like booklists, personalized recommendations, and insightful conversations, your library is the perfect place to start your poetry journey.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.
Add a comment to: OWH Column: Omaha Public Library helping readers discover something new during National Poetry Month