Need a Poetry Resource?
Try These Ideas:
1. Check the LIBRARY CATALOG and search for one or more of the following terms:
- Poem
- Poetry
- Poet
- The name or names of poets you are interested in. Usually, you’ll need to type their last names first.
Note: If a book is available, check the shelves where it is found. You will probably find many more poetry books in the same area.
2. Browse the SHELVES
Check the 400s and 800s sections of the library shelves.
- 800: Literature & Rhetoric
- 811: Poetry
- 811.1 – 811.9: Individual Poets
Note: Individual poets may be grouped together under one call number like Janet Wong in our library. She’s under 811 WON.
3. Check the REFERENCE SECTION
Check the 400s and 800s in the reference area.
- You’ll find rhyming dictionaries and thesauruses in the 400s.
- Look in the 800s for encyclopedias of famous authors and resources on writing.
4. Use INTERNET RESOURCES (See Below)
Poets.org (The Academy of American Poets )
- Examples of contemporary and historical poets, exhibits (including biographical information) on specific poets and more!
Twentieth Century Poetry in English (Professor Elichi Hishikawa Faculty of Letters, Kobe University )
- This site has biographical information about many poets as well as links to sites with poetry by different poets.
The American Verse Project ( University of Michigan Humanities Text Initiative)
- Searchable database of hundreds of poems and poets. There are multiple ways to search - click on a link below the introduction to conduct a basic search.
Bartleby (Bartleby.com)
- Searchable database of poets, poems and other literature. Includes a "poem of the day" in case you need an idea!
The Poets Corner (The Poets Corner)
- Includes information about poets includes an index called the "Lives of Poets."
Representative Poetry (The University of Toronto Library)
- This is a SUPER site on poets. Each poet is linked to examples of their poetry as well as biographical information.
Electronic Poetry Center ( State University of New York [SUNY] Buffalo )
- Information about poets including some poetry examples and biographical information. This site loads slowly and isn't the best design, but there is some good information here.
Contemporary American Poetry Archive ( Connecticut College Libraries)
- An archive of contemporary poets.
British Poetry 1780 – 1910 ( Alderman Library, University of Virginia )
- An archive of some British poetry. This isn't extensive, but has some great stuff.
The Internet Poetry Archive ( University of North Carolina Press)
- Great information on a select group of poets. Includes poems, biographical information and audio commentary by the poets if available.
Classical Chinese Poetry (Dr. M. L. Pei -webmaster)
- Examples of Chinese poetry. Translations into English are available by clicking on the * next to a poem or poet's name.