History
Every April, on Poem in Your Pocket Day, people celebrate by selecting a poem, printing it, and carrying it with them to share or read with others. 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 states in the U.S., encouraging individuals around the country to participate. 826 National celebrates this day annually in partnership with the Academy of American Poets by sharing a printable pocket poem zine for all ages!
Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 30th with 826 National’s one-page #PocketPoem zine!
Poem in Your Pocket Day is our favorite type of holiday: A day to celebrate the words we carry with us, and a day to celebrate the ways that the simple act of sharing a poem with someone can delight and surprise. To help you get ready for this special celebration, the Academy of American Poets and 826 National have teamed up to bring you a bite-sized zine perfect for any pocket or bag. Carry it close to your heart or use it as inspiration to design your own!
Our one-page #PocketPoem zine features the poem “Pockets” by Rowan Y., Grade 12, an 826michigan student and a proud member of the 826 National Student Advisory Board. Rowan’s poem is also featured in our 2025 student anthology, UNBOUND, a project created in collaboration with author partner and librarian Mychal Threets.
Hey Educators
This part is especially for you: Bring this 826 Digital lesson plan to your classroom so your students can learn about Poem in Your Pocket Day, create their own pocket-sized zine featuring a poem they love, and discover how zines can be a powerful medium for self-expression.
Join the celebration!
Making a one-page #PocketPoem zine is simple!
You will need:
- downloadable one-page #PocketPoem zine
- a printer
- 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper
- scissors
Learn how to fold the #PocketPoem zine with instructions on the first page here.
Want to write your own #PocketPoem zine?
Create your original one-page #PocketPoem zine with our blank template! The instructions are exactly the same, but the poem is uniquely yours! After you write your poem, you can keep it in your pocket and share it with a friend. The best part is, you can easily print, fold, and write as many #PocketPoem zines as you have pockets!
Show off your one-page #PocketPoem zine with us by posting it online and tagging us at @826National on Facebook or Instagram!