April 30 Is Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day
April 23, 2009 

News Highlights:

• City of Alexandria will celebrate the First Annual Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 30
• Several poetry readings and poetry celebration events will be held throughout the City

More Information:

• alexandriava.gov/arts    

The City of Alexandria Poet Laureate, Office of the Arts and Commission for the Arts invite City residents to participate in Alexandria’s First Annual Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day. On April 30, residents are encouraged to carry a favorite or original poem in their pockets to share with others.

Councilman Ludwig Gaines will co-host additional activities planned for this day, which include:

• A “Poetry Break” at noon at Market Square, 301 King St. The public is invited to participate in open microphone poetry readings, co-hosted by Mary McElveen, Alexandria’s Poet Laureate; and
• An “Evening of Poetry” at 7 p.m. at the Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. The program will feature the poetry of Jean Elliot, former Alexandria Poet in Residence, among favorite works of other poets and City residents. This event is co-hosted by the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association and the Office of the Arts.

Local businesses, libraries, schools, and recreation centers will help spread the word about these activities by conducting drawings, displaying poetry books, and distributing information about Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day.

The City celebrates poetry to promote an appreciation of the written word in all forms, to emphasize the importance and pleasure of reading and writing to Alexandria’s young people, and to uphold and call attention to Alexandria’s reputation as a leader in the arts.

The Academy of American Poets has designated April as National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its ability to enrich everyday life. For more information about National Poetry Month events or how you can participate, visit alexandriava.gov/arts, contact Cheryl Anne Colton, Cultural Arts Administrator, at 703.838.6348, or e-mail aca@alexandriava.gov.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.838.6348 (TTY 703.838.4902) or e-mail cherylann.colton@alexandriava.gov.

For more information, contact Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, Office of Communications, at 703.838.5078 or Jennifer.harris@alexandriava.gov 

PIO#119-09