Poets House

Founded in 1985 by poet Stanley Kunitz and arts administrator Elizabeth Kray, Poets House is a home for all who read and write poetry. It houses a literary center and poetry archive and invites poets and the public to step into the living tradition of poetry. Their poetry resources and literary events document the wealth and diversity of modern poetry, and stimulate public dialogue on issues of poetry in culture.

At the heart of the organization is their 40,000 volume poetry collection. Free and open to the public, the library includes books, journals, chapbooks, audio tapes, videos and electronic media. It is the most comprehensive open-access collection of poetry books in the United States and the foundation for all of the Poets House programs and services.

Each year the House offer over fifty public programs. Panel discussions and lectures presented within the unique setting of the poetry library link the voices of poets living today to a vast literary tradition. Poets House readings presented in public parks and public libraries throughout the city cultivate a wider audience for the art. Seminars and workshops provide in-depth examination of topics ranging from the poetic voice to the impact of electronic texts on literary publishing. A groundbreaking new festival, The People's Poetry Gathering celebrates poetry's roots in popular oral traditions from around the globe.

Click the schedule link for details on upcoming events.