The annual National Poetry Day celebration promotes the richness, variety and sheer fun of poetry of all kinds, from song lyrics and nursery rhymes to works by poets laureate.

National Poetry Day takes place on 9 October 2008.
This year's theme is Work.

What happens on National Poetry Day?

SPL events | Across the UK | For teachers | Free postcards | Send an NPD e-card

A week of events at the Scottish Poetry Library

Monday 6 October, 6.30-8pm

New Books reading group: Nigh-No-Place by Jen Hadfield
Share your thoughts on Jen Hadfield's second collection, nominated for this year's Forward Prize. Led by our Librarian Julie Johnstone.

Tuesday 7 October, 6.30-8pm

Just a Look At... Edwin Morgan
Be among the first to delve into material in the Edwin Morgan Archive, newly acquired by the SPL – pamphlets, postcards, books and booklets, including some unique items – all detailing the career of Scotland's greatest living poet. Led by Ken Cockburn, EMA Project Co-ordinator.

Wednesday 8 October, 7.30pm

Ron Butlin
A reading from Edinburgh's new Makar, in association with the Poetry Association of Scotland.

Thursday 9 October, 10am-12 noon

Pregnant Pause
A poetry workshop for expectant mothers, with poet Dorothy Baird and our Education Officer Lorna Irvine.

8.30am-10am, 12.30-2pm, 5-6pm

Poetry in St Andrew Square Garden
Drop into St Andrew Square garden on your way to or from work - or just for a quick coffee at lunchtime - and pick up National Poetry Day postcards and other poems you'll love. Come and find Ryan Van Winkle, our Reader in Residence, or any of the Poetry volunteers. You won't be able to miss us...

Friday 10 October, 7.30pm

David Malouf: Selected Works
Internationally-acclaimed poet and novelist David Malouf is the 2008 Scottish Arts Council Muriel Spark Fellow. Hear him discuss his favourite poems in conversation with Robyn Marsack.

For more information on these events and more, including ticket prices and how to book, please see our events programme

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National Poetry Day across Scotland and the UK

• For details of more National Poetry Day events around Scotland, see our listings of other poetry events.
• For poetry events outside Scotland, visit the National Poetry Day website.
• If you're planning your own National Poetry Day event in Scotland please let us know! Email reception@spl.org.uk

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For teachers

Visit our education section to read this years poems, see ideas about how to use poetry in the classroom, and tips for using this year's National Poetry Day postcards.

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National Poetry Day postcards

• You can collect free poetry postcards from the Scottish Poetry Library.
• Contact us at reception@spl.org.uk if you would like to get your hands on some, or send a stamped SAE for a free set.
• You can also email a poetry postcard.