How to Host a Poetry Reading at a Public Library

Poetry readings are a fun way to spread the love of literature. A great place to hold such a reading is your local library. You can attract people of all ages, and it is also a great way to promote your writing as a poet as well. By gathering some of your writer friends, and spreading the word, you can make a public reading happen right in your own hometown. Read on to learn how to host a poetry reading at a public library.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your area library to see if they would be interested in hosting a poetry reading for the public. Find out which age groups would be appropriate for the material that you will be presenting. Talk with the head of the library to see which dates would work best for them.

2. Gather club members, or find friends, poets and writers who would be interested in sharing poetry. Find out if they would like to share original poetry or previously published poems. It could also be a mixture of both.

3. Create fliers to advertise the poetry reading around your hometown area. Contact area newspapers, other organizations and any other friends and family who might be interested in attending.

4. Decide whether to have refreshments available for after the poetry reading. Assign different readers to bring treats or drinks.

5. Meet with everyone who will be reading at least a day before the event. Discuss the order in which everybody will be reading, which poems, and if they would like to stay afterwards to meet and greet with guests.

6. Speak with the library about hosting other readings for other occasions if it was successful. Make it an annual event to draw more attention to the public.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes the first few poetry readings may not draw a lot of crowds. Do not give up. It takes while to gain interest. Spread the word around everywhere that you go. Poetry is not always a popular subject as some do not understand the art of it.