By FRANCES SMITH / Community Columnist

If you like to venture into rhyme time or a free verse universe April is a big month. April 2016 marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month.

The commemoration was launched by the Academy of American Poets in 1996. According to their website, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world. Libraries, schools, publishers, booksellers and poets celebrate poetry’s dynamic place in the American culture.

We have new poetry books to help you become part of the celebration including: Fresh Delicious by Latham, When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Fogliano, Echo Echo: Reverso Poems about Greek Myths by Singer and Among a Thousand Fireflies by Frost.

Remember while in the library selecting poetry books there are free programs to enjoy.

For youth: Story Times

•Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales – for kids of all ages and caregivers.

•Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Toddler Tales – for toddlers and caregivers.

Other Programs:

• April 5 – Lego League, 6-6:45 p.m. We have the bricks, you bring the imagination to the meeting room. Kids 6 and younger must be with an adult.

•April 12 – Family Fun Night: Skins & Skulls, 6 p.m. Experts from Alabama 4-H bring real animal skins and skulls from different species of native to Alabama. Families with kids in elementary school and above can sign up. Meets in the meeting room. All kids must be with an adult.

•April 22 – American Girls Club: Ham It Up with the 4-H Club, 4 p.m. Program covers communicating, developing empathy, public speaking and effective listening. Girls 7 years old and older can sign up and come with or without a doll to the meeting room.

•April 26 – Pete the Cat Book Club, 4 p.m. A visitor from the Audubon Society will talk about local birds and bird watching. Kids 5 years old and older can sign up. Kids age 6 and younger must be with an adult. Session is in the meeting room.

For Adults:Computer Classes– Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Come by the library or call to sign up: 664-6822 (April 6 – Microsoft Word 2013 Part 2,April 13 – Microsoft Excel 2013 Part 1,April 20 – Microsoft Excel 2013 Part 2).

ABC & Ds of Medicare – April 11, 1 p.m. Learn about filing, benefits and more. Program is in the meeting room.

Friends of the Library Meeting – April 11, 6 p.m. New members are always welcomed.

American Sign Language Basics for Adults – Thursdays at 4:30pm starting April 21. This 6 week introductory class will cover the manual alphabet, numbers, simple greetings, aspects of deaf culture, and more. It includes: demonstrative lectures, interactive elements, weekly review, and handouts. Participants must be at least 14 years old. Program is in the meeting room.

Library Book Group – April 21, 7 p.m. – Silver Sparrowby Tayari Jones. Program is in the meeting room.

Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors – Available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the meeting room through early April. Come by or call 664-6822.