Celebrate National Poetry Month with the Westport Library’s Spotlight on Poetry guide, a rich starting point for exploring how poems shape culture, classrooms, and everyday life every April. The guide traces the history of National Poetry Month, created in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets and modeled on observances like Black History Month and Women’s History Month, and explains why April was chosen to spark the widest possible participation and year‑round reading. It also highlights personal reflections on poetry as an antidote to despair, fatigue, and loneliness — a “borrowed voice” that turns rhythm, rhyme, and everyday language into something transporting and transformative.

Celebrating the rich and diverse culture and contributions of the diverse population of Arab Americans, National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017. An estimated 3.7 million Americans have Arab roots, according to the Arab American Institute, with ancestries traced to 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and others.

Discover the “Westport Grows… Seed Library & Exchange,” a free, organic seed collection at The Westport Library that helps gardeners of all levels borrow seeds, learn how to grow food, flowers, and herbs, and explore the benefits of saving locally adapted seed varieties. Located on the main floor near the Patron Services desk, the Seed Library offers 100% certified organic seeds that patrons can check out at no cost, with optional end-of-season seed returns encouraged for those who grow organically without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This resource guide explains how easy it is to borrow and (optionally) return seeds, why seed saving supports sustainability and biodiversity, and how Westport’s resource guides connect you with books and local gardening information to help your garden thrive.

The Westport Library’s Getting Your Garden Ready guide walks you through essential early‑season tasks—from researching your agricultural zone and buying seeds ahead of time to cleaning beds, cutting back dead growth, and testing and amending your soil—so your spring garden can thrive once warmer weather arrives. Drawing on expert advice, it emphasizes planning (like creating a sowing calendar and knowing which seeds to start indoors vs. direct‑seed), timely weed removal before they go to seed, and smart soil preparation to ensure healthy germination and robust perennials.

Spring into Spring at the Westport Library offers a vibrant resource guide celebrating the season with curated links to natural world explorations, spring mythology, and seasonal activities tailored for Westport's environment and community interests. Ideal for local gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and families, it connects to related guides on environmental topics and activities, helping users embrace renewal through reading, outdoor pursuits, and spring-inspired learning opportunities.

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Senator Gaylord Nelson, the junior senator from Wisconsin, had long been concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States. Then in January 1969, he and many others witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santo Barbara, California. Inspired by the student anti-war movement, Senator Nelson wanted to infuse the energy of student anti-war protests with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution. Senator Nelson announced the idea for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media, and persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair.

Navigate tax season with confidence using the Westport Library's comprehensive Tax Resources guide. Find essential IRS tax forms like Form 1040, Schedule A, Schedule B, and Schedule C, along with instructions and tax tables to simplify filing. Access free online filing options through IRS.gov and MyFreeTaxes by United Way. Residents of Connecticut and New York can also find links to state-specific tax forms. Get organized and file accurately with the Westport Library's curated tax resources.

Celebrate Women's History Month with the Westport Library! Explore the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout United States history, from Abigail Adams to Rosa Parks. Learn how a week-long celebration in Sonoma, California, grew into a national observance, first recognized by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. Discover resources and events to honor the vital role of women in culture, history, and society this March at the Westport Library.

Explore the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with the Westport Library! Learn how the ADA defines disability and understand the need for this crucial civil rights legislation passed in 1990. Discover the progress made by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the remaining gaps in protection for people with disabilities that the ADA aimed to address. Delve into the movement led by disability rights advocates, members of Congress, and federal civil rights agencies to secure equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of American life. Visit the Westport Library to learn more about the ADA's impact on businesses, employment, telecommunications, transportation, and beyond.

Celebrate the diverse achievements of women with the Westport Library's "Women are..." guide! Explore the contributions of women across various fields, including activism, acting, art, athletics, comedy, music, lawmaking, science, war, and writing. Discover remarkable figures and resources highlighting the impact of women in history and contemporary society. Return to the Women's History Month Resource Guide Series for more in-depth explorations of women's accomplishments. Visit the Westport Library online or in person to celebrate women activists, artists, athletes, lawmakers, scientists, writers, and more!

Dive into the excitement of March Madness with the Westport Library's comprehensive guide! Whether you're a seasoned basketball fan or new to the tournament, this resource is your one-stop shop for everything NCAA Division I men's basketball. Explore the history of March Madness, dating back to its origins in 1939, and understand the intricacies of the bracket system. Learn about Selection Sunday and how teams earn their coveted spots in the tournament. Updated annually, this guide provides the essential information you need to follow along and enjoy every thrilling moment of March Madness.