Poem in Your Pocket Day was initiated in April 2002 by the Office of the Mayor in New York City, in partnership with the city's Departments of Cultural Affairs and Education. In 2008, the Academy of American Poets took the initiative to all fifty United States, encouraging individuals around the country to participate. In 2016, the League of Canadian Poets extended Poem in Your Pocket Day to Canada.

Poem in Your Pocket Day takes place every year on a day in National Poetry Month. Poem in Your Pocket Day 2022 will take place on April 29.

To celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day you can choose to do one of the following:

Record a video of yourself reading a poem, then share it on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or another social media platform you use.

Read a poem out loud to a friend or just yourself from your porch, window, backyard or outdoor space.

Write out a favorite poem and draw a picture to illustrate the poem.

If you complete a Poem in Your Pocket Day activity, share your activity with staff at the library