April is National Poetry Month. Bellingham Public Library has hundreds of books and films filled with great poetry for all ages. The Library’s displays and recommendations this month feature poetry, and also shine a spotlight on plays and short story collections.
From love to war, and all that lies in between, the Library has poems and plays for everyone. To start your reading adventure, simply type “poetry”, “plays”, or “short stories” into the keyword search bar in the catalog, then use the filters to sort the results.
Poetry, Plays, and Short Stories – Books for Adults
Here are some of our favorite plays, short story collections, and poetry for National Poetry Month!
Library Staff Recommend:
Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart: and Other Stories by GennaRose Nethercott
“A treat for lovers of dark fairytales and surrealistic fiction.”
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
The Final Score by Don Winslow
“The Final Score roars along like a runaway train; buckle up and enjoy a master of crime writing.”
– Linda, Public Services Clerk
Fruiting Bodies by Kathryn Harlan
“Sumptuous and biting, I didn’t want this anthology to end. Mushroom horror is having a moment, and I’m here for it!”
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Infinite Stars, Dark Frontiers: the Definitive Anthology of Space Opera edited by Bryan Thomas Schmidt
“Fantastic short story collection for lovers of space opera. Special shoutout to Becky Chambers fans, there’s a delightful extra Wayfarers story in here!”
– Arbor, Public Services Clerk
Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey
“In this sobering and beautiful collection of Trethewey’s poetry, she explores the experiences of Black Union soldiers during the Civil War, family history, and the racial legacy of the South. Highly recommend.”
– Kimber, Library Assistant
Never Whistle At Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Ed. and Theodore C. Van Alst, Ed.
“Filled with thrills and chills, I was delighted to wrap myself in the stories of several of my favorite authors while also discovering some new names.”
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Red Bird by Mary Oliver
“A book of love and appreciation…try to read Invitation without getting a tear in your eye.”
– Linda, Public Services Clerk
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
“This collection of three short stories was written over a period of 20 years, each story focusing on problematic relationships between men and women. It’s so interesting to see the progression of her writing over that span!”
– Kimber, Library Assistant
This Wound is a World by Billy-Ray Belcourt
“An important voice in Canadian Queer First Nation poetry, and the world of poetry in general. Belcourt’s essays and poems are visceral and moving.”
– Kimber, Library Assistant
Poetry, Plays & Short Stories – Books for Teens
Check out this great list of YA books in verse available as books, eBooks, and eAudiobooks!
Poetry, Plays & Short Stories – Books for Children
Book Lists for Youth
So many great poetry books and books in verse to choose from! Library staff has put together these lists for you to begin your reading adventure.
Library Staff Recommend:
Everyday Bean by Stephanie Graegin
“Sweet and witty, I loved every moment I spent with Bean. A good story begins with tiny ghosts and giant strawberries.” Recommended for ages 3 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Stories of the Islands by Clar Angkasa
“I was swept away into these magical and vivid reimaginings of traditional Indonesian folktales.” Recommended for ages 8 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Vernon is On His Way: Small Stories by Philip C. Stead
Follow Vernon and his forest friends as they contemplate the small, beautiful things in life and learn lessons on waiting, fishing, and gardening.” Recommended for ages 5 and up.
– Lark, Public Services Clerk
Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest
“Founded in 2006, the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest is a free annual event held each spring and open to Whatcom County, Washington, residents of all ages and all levels of experience. From each year’s submissions, two judges, respected Washington poets, select 25 winning poems.
“Walk Award poems are displayed for a year on the Sue Boynton Poetry Walk in front of the Bellingham Public Library (one of a growing number of permanent poetry installations in the U.S.); beautiful placards of both Walk and Merit Award poems are also displayed for a year inside Whatcom Transportation Authority buses that serve routes throughout the county. Winning poets are invited to read at a public awards ceremony in May.” – from the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest website
A Forest of Words: Whatcom County Teen Poetry Anthology
A Forest of Words Whatcom County Teen Poetry Anthology
A Forest of Words is a teen poetry book published annually by Teen Services of the Whatcom County Library System.
Area teens are invited to submit up to two of their original poems from January 1 through March 15 of each year. A panel of library staff and teens select poems based on originality, creativity, and craft.
The Bellingham Public Library has copies of each year’s anthology available for check out.
Links to Poetry Websites
