FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PR- 099-04 April 28, 2004 MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG, CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER KATE D. LEVIN, SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR JOEL I. KLEIN AND CUNY CHANCELLOR MATTHEW GOLDSTEIN ANNOUNCE SECOND ANNUAL POEM IN YOUR POCKET DAY New Yorkers Encouraged to Carry Poems in Their Pockets on Friday, April 30th Initiative to Promote Poetry and Literacy in Schools and at Events Throughout NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin, Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and City University of New York Chancellor Matthew Goldstein today announced that Friday, April 30, 2004 will mark the second annual Poem in Your Pocket Day. The initiative is aimed at promoting poetry and literacy at schools, libraries and cultural organizations throughout the five boroughs. "Poem in Your Pocket Day offers all New Yorkers a unique way to celebrate and reflect on the beauty and power of language," said Mayor Bloomberg. "We are proud to launch an initiative that celebrates literacy and poetry, and the meaningful role they play in all of our lives. I'll be carrying a poem on April 30, and I encourage all New Yorkers to do the same." On Poem in Your Pocket Day, New Yorkers are encouraged to carry a poem in their pocket and share it with friends, family, co-workers and classmates. The New York Times is running announcements featuring works of poetry that can be clipped and saved, and throughout this week, WNYC Radio is playing public service announcements promoting the initiative. Public schools throughout all five boroughs will highlight poetry through readings by professional poets, poetry workshops and specifically designed lesson plans. Cultural organizations and libraries throughout the City have planned events leading up to and on Poem in Your Pocket Day, from readings to poetry discussions to open mic forums. A sample of events include:
A listing of Poem in Your Pocket Day and National Poetry Month events, along with poems for download and use on Poem in Your Pocket Day, are available at www.nyc.gov. Poem in Your Pocket Day event listings and sample poems can also be obtained by calling 311. MEDIA CONTACT: Edward Skyler/Robert Lawson (212) 788-2958 Sara Rutkowski (DCA) (212) 643-6690 |
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