Schools at the National Poetry Library
Find inspiration among the world’s largest public collection of modern poetry
School groups are always welcome to visit the National Poetry Library, situated on Level 5 of our Royal Festival Hall.
From assistance with planning your visit, to specially designed poetry resources and programmes, the National Poetry Library team can help you get the most out of their incredible collection.
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Programmes for primary schools
The National Poetry Library has two programmes aimed at Key Stage 2 primary school children.
Poetry Explorers
In this session children explore visual poetry, spoken poetry and poems about animals and learn how to use an index in a book and find items in a library. They will also explore our buildings by the River Thames to find words and write creatively.
Letters Home
This interactive workshop is built around poems written during the First World War. It introduces students to visual poetry, sound poetry and typography. Students also write their own poems and complete other activities outlined in our free Letters Home booklet.
Programmes for secondary schools
The National Poetry Library has a number of resources aimed at engaging secondary students with reading and writing poetry, which can tie-in with Key Stage goals.
The Poetry Box
(Key Stage 3)
The Poetry Box workshop links poetry and science and encourages students to experiment with writing their own poetry inspired by an interactive box, where they view microscopic slides.
Teacher-led sessions
(Key Stages 4 & 5)
Teachers are welcome to use the library as a resource for leading their own sessions. We can help by preparing books on a given theme or type of poetry.
These sessions are free, we just ask that you contact the library in advance to let us know and discuss any requests.
A Dictionary Story
(Key Stage 5)
This workshop for A-level students is based around a visual poetry book by Sam Winston which invites students to think about the relationship between visual art and poetry and specifically around the idea of visual poetry.
National Poetry Library school visits, need to know
For primary schools
- When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in term time
- Group size: for groups of up to 30 pupils
- Cost: free for Lambeth and Southwark state primary schools
- There is a charge for fee-paying schools and state schools outside of Lambeth and Southwark
For secondary schools
- When: Tuesday sand Wednesdays in term time (10am – 1pm)
- Teacher-led session availability: Wednesday – Friday, 11am – 5pm
- Group size: for groups of up to 30 pupils
- Cost: Please contact us for current prices
For more information, including details about prices, contact the library team.
Little Library
Take time out and get comfy in our dedicated children’s poetry area.
Donate to the National Poetry Library
You can support our work and programme of free events for children and adults by making a donation. Every penny you give will go towards the National Poetry Library.