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Featured Resource
Columbia Granger's World of Poetry »
Find that poem whose first or last line is all you remember or find poems by subject (for example, materialism) in this index to poems in anthologies and collected and selected works. The complete text of many poems is included, as are biographies, commentaries, audio recordings, and works of history and criticism.
A Chicago Public Library card is required to use Columbia Granger's World of Poetry from home, school, or work.
Related Databases
Use these resources from home, school, or work with a Chicago Public Library card.
Literary Reference Center » teen pick
Find resources for deepening your understanding of a poem or poet: commentaries, author biographies, critical essays, and overviews of topics. Search by keyword or, if unsure of the spelling of an author's name or title, browse lists of authors and works.
Poetry for Students » teen pick
This resource's line-by-line summaries of poems will help students and non-students alike move more deeply into newly-encountered poems. Also included for each covered work are an author biography; discussion of themes, style, and historical context; an overview of critical approaches to the work; and selected critical essays.
ProQuest Magazines & Journals »
Find articles from popular magazines and journals, including titles that publish contemporary poetry such as Chicago Review, The American Poetry Review, Parnassus: Poetry in Review, and Poetry.
Search in the Library
Featured CPL Collections and Programs
- Poetry Fest »
Every April, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) celebrates National Poetry Month with Poetry Fest, a free festival of poetry readings, workshops, performances, and discussions at the Harold Washington Library Center.
Helpful Websites
- Academy of American Poets – Illinois »
Find information on local poets, the poetic history of the state, local writing programs and literary organizations, and literary journals and small presses based in Illinois. The Academy's main site offers poetry, poet biographies, essays and interviews, and National Poetry Month information and resources.
- The Poetry Foundation »
The Poetry Foundation is a Chicago-based literary organization offering a wealth of articles and interviews, reading guides, reviews and book picks, and audio material. Search for poems by poet, title, theme, and occasion using the Poetry Tool. Or explore the history of Chicago through poetry—either online or, with your iPod or MP3 player, on foot—on the Chicago Poetry Tour.
- Poetry Center of Chicago »
The Poetry Center of Chicago is a local, independent arts organization that promotes poetry through readings, workshops, residences, and arts education.
- Poets & Writers »
Poets & Writers is a non-profit organization providing information, support, and guidance to creative writers. The site includes numerous resources for writers, from listings of deadlines for grants and contests to a directory of literary magazines with editorial policies, submission guidelines, and contact information.