National Poetry Month Reading with Matthew Shenoda

In celebration of National Poetry Month, the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series at the Folger Shakespeare Library launches its inaugural National Poetry Month Reading, featuring American Book Award–winning poet Matthew Shenoda. Recognized early in his career by *Poets & Writers* magazine for his debut collection *Somewhere Else*, Shenoda is a founding editor of the African Poetry Book Fund and the editor of both the *African Poetry* and *On African Poetry* book series. For this special evening, he will read selections from his earlier work as well as from his forthcoming collection *Holdings*, which is scheduled for release by Knopf in April 2027.

When: April 6, 2027, at 7:30pm.

Showtimes: The reading begins at 7:30pm; no additional showtimes are listed.

Tickets: This event is part of the 2026-2027 O.B. Hardison Poetry Series. A full series subscription covering all five readings costs $81 (which includes a $6 handling fee). Virtual passes start at $30 and provide access to live-streamed readings plus unlimited on-demand recordings for at least three readings of the subscriber’s choice. Individual event tickets may not be available; a subscription is required.

Lineup: Poet Matthew Shenoda.

Run time: Not specified.

Ages: Not specified.

Venue: Folger Theatre, Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C. (in-person); also available as a live stream for virtual subscribers.

Note: This is the inaugural National Poetry Month Reading for the O.B. Hardison Poetry Series. The event celebrates National Poetry Month and features the Washington, D.C. debut of Shenoda’s new collection *Holdings*. Subscriber benefits include 25% savings off single ticket prices, guaranteed in-person seating, unlimited access to event recordings, and discounts on other Folger programs.