BURNABY WRITERS' SOCIETYThere are many organizations of value to poets. These groups may sponsor workshops and contests, stage readings, publish anthologies and chapbooks or spread the word about publishing opportunities. A few provide economic assistance or legal advice. The best thing organizations offer, though, is a support system to which poets can turn for a pep talk, a hard-nosed (but sympathetic) critique of a manuscript or simply the comfort of talking and sharing with others who understand the challenges, and joys, of writing poetry.
Whether national, regional or as local as your library or community center, each organization has something special to offer. The listings in this section reflect the membership opportunities available to poets with a variety of organizations. Some groups provide certain services to both members and nonmembers.
To find out more about groups in your area (including those that may not be listed in Poet’s Market), contact your YMCA, community center, local colleges and universities, public library and bookstores (and don’t forget newspapers and the Internet). If you can’t find a group that suits your needs, consider starting one yourself. You might be surprised to discover there are others in your locality who would welcome the encouragement, feedback and moral support of a writer’s group.
1395 Lexington Ave., New York NY 10128. (212)415-5500. E-mail: unterberg@92y.org. Website: www.92y.org/poetry. The Unterberg Poetry Center offers “students of all ages the opportunity to hone their skills as writers and deepen their appreciation as readers.”Offers annual series of readings by major literary figures (weekly readings late September through May), writing workshops, master classes in fiction and poetry, and lectures and literary seminars. Also co-sponsors the “Discovery”/Boston Review Poetry Contest.
75 Maiden Ln., Suite 901, New York NY 10038. (212)274-0343. Fax: (212)274-9427. E-mail: academy@poets.org. Website: www.poets.org. The Academy of American Poets was founded to support the nation’s poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry. Administers The Walt Whitman Award; The James Laughlin Award; The Harold Morton Landon Translation Award; The Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize; The Raiziss/de Palchi Translation Award; and The Wallace Stevens Award. Also awards The Fellowship of the Academy of American Poets and The University & College Poetry Prizes. Publishes American Poet, an informative semiannual journal sent to all Academy members. The Academy’s other programs include National Poetry Month (April), the largest literary celebration in the world; the Poetry Audio Archive, a 700-volume audio library capturing the voices of contemporary American poets for generations to come; an annual series of poetry readings and special events; and Poets.org, which includes thousands of poems, hundreds of essays and interviews, lesson plans for teachers, a National Poetry Almanac, a national Calendar of Events, and the National Poetry Map.
19 Fulton St., Suite 407, New York NY 10038. (212)587-4025 ext. 15. Fax: (212)587-2436. E-mail: chris@abffe.com. Website: www.abffe.com. “The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression is the bookseller’s voice in the fight against censorship. Founded by the American Booksellers Association, ABFFE’s mission is to promote and protect the free exchange of ideas, particularly those contained in books, by opposing restrictions on the freedom of speech; issuing statements on significant free expression controversies; participating in legal cases involving First Amendment rights; collaborating with other groups with an interest in free speech; providing education about the importance of free expression to booksellers, other members of the book industry, politicians, the press and the public.” Additional information online.
California State Library, Library & Courts II Bldg, 900 N St., Sacramento CA 95814. E-mail: welchm@aol.com. Website: www.americanhaikuarchives.org. Contact: Michael Dylan Welch. The American Haiku Archives is “the world’s largest public collection of haiku and related poetry books and papers outside Japan.” This repository is housed at the California State Library in Sacramento, California, and is dedicated to preserving the history of North American haiku. Materials are publicly available for research purposes through the library’s California History Room. The American Haiku Archives actively seeks donations of books, journals, recordings, letters, ephemera, and personal papers relating to haiku poetry in all languages, but especially North American languages. The American Haiku Archives also appoints an honorary curator every July for a one-year term. The intent of this appointment is to honor leading haiku poets, translators, or scholars for their accomplishments or service in support of haiku poetry as a literary art. Past honorary curators have been Gary Snyder, Stephen Addiss, George Swede, H. F. Noyes, Hiroaki Sato, Francine Porad, Makoto Ueda, William J. Higginson, Leroy Kanterman, Lorraine Ellis Harr, Robert Spiess, Cor van den Heuvel, Jerry Kilbride, and Elizabeth Searle Lamb. Additional information online.
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., New York NY 10025. (212)316-7540. Website: www.stjohndivine.org. Initiated in 1984 with memorials for Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and Washington Irving. Similar in concept to the British Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, was established and dedicated to memorialize this country’s greatest writers. A board of electors chooses one deceased author each year for inclusion in The American Poets’ Corner. The Cathedral is also home to the Muriel Rukeyser Poetry Wall, a public space for posting poems, which was dedicated in 1976 by Ms. Rukeyser and the Cathedral’s Dean. Send poems for the Poetry Wall to the above address. Designated a National Poetry Landmark by the Academy of American Poets.
6145 West Echo Ln., Glendale AZ 85302. (623)847-9343. E-mail: info@azauthors.com. Website: www.azauthors.com. Contact: Toby Heathcotte, president. Purpose of organization: to offer professional, educational and social opportunities to writers and authors, and serve as a network. Members must be authors, writers working toward publication, agents, publishers, publicists, printers, illustrators, etc. Publishes bimonthly newsletter and Arizona Literary Magazine. Sponsors Annual Literary Contest in poetry, essays, short stories, novels, and published books with cash prizes and awards bestowed at a public banquet. Winning entries are also published or advertised in the Arizona Literary Magazine. First and second place winners in poetry, essay and short story categories are entered in the Pushcart Prize. Learn more online.
31 E. 32nd St., 7th Floor, New York NY 10016. (212)564-5904. Fax: (212)564-5363. E-mail: staff@authorsguild.org. Website: www.authorsguild.org. Contact: Mary Rasenberger, executive director. Purpose of organization: to offer services and materials intended to help authors with the business and legal aspects of their work, including contract problems, copyright matters, freedom of expression and taxation. Guild has 8,000 members. Qualifications for membership: Must be book author published by an established American publisher within 7 years or any author who has had 3 works (fiction or nonfiction) published by a magazine or magazines of general circulation in the last 18 months. Associate membership also available. Different levels of membership include: associate membership with all rights except voting available to an author who has a firm contract offer or is currently negotiating a royalty contract from an established American publisher. “The Guild offers free contract reviews to its members. The Guild conducts several symposia each year at which experts provide information, offer advice and answer questions on subjects of interest and concern to authors. Typical subjects have been the rights of privacy and publicity, libel, wills and estates, taxation, copyright, editors and editing, the art of interviewing, standards of criticism and book reviewing. Transcripts of these symposia are published and circulated to members. The Authors Guild Bulletin, a quarterly journal, contains articles on matters of interest to writers, reports of Guild activities, contract surveys, advice on problem clauses in contracts, transcripts of Guild and League symposia and information on a variety of professional topics. Subscription included in the cost of the annual dues.”
308 Bowery St., New York NY 10012. (212)614-0505. Fax: (212)614-8539. E-mail: mail@bowerypoetry.com. The Bowery Poetry Club and Cafe hosts regional open mic and poetry events. “Hosting between 20 and 30 shows a week, the Bowery Poetry Club (BPC) is proud of our place in the lineage of populist art: The Yiddish theater, burlesque, vaudeville, beat poetry, jazz, and punk that gave the Bowery its name.” Offers workshops for adults and young poets. “Each Tuesday night at 6:30 pm touring Slam poets give a craft talk as part of our WordShop series.” Nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Sponsors open mic readings for the public each Tuesday night at 7 pm as part of the Urbana Poetry Slam; format: open mic, featured poet, poetry slam. See website for more information and schedule.
94 Church St., Treadwell NY 13846. (607)829-5055. E-mail: wordthur@stny.rr.com. Website: www.brighthillpress.org. Bright Hill Literary Center serves residents in the Catskill Mountain region, greater New York, and throughout the U.S. Includes the Bright Hill Library and Internet Center, with “thousands of volumes of literary journals, literary prose and poetry, literary criticism and biography, theater, reference, art, and children’s books available for reading and research (noncirculating, for the time being). Wireless Internet access is available.” Sponsors workshops for children and adults. Learn more online.
BURNABY WRITERS' SOCIETY6584 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby BC V5G 3T7, Canada. E-mail: info@bws.bc.ca. Website: burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com. Corresponding membership in the society, including a newsletter subscription, is open to anyone, anywhere. Currently has 100 members. Members of the society stage regular public readings of their own work. Sponsors open mic readings for the public. Sponsors a poetry contest open to British Columbia residents. Competition receives about 100-200 entries/year. Past contest winners include Mildred Tremblay, Irene Livingston, and Kate Braid. Additional information online.
P.O. Box 6245, Broomfield CO 80021. (303)431-6774. E-mail: anitajg5@aol.com. Website: columbinepoetsofcolorado.com. Contact: Anita Jepson-Gilbert, secretary/treasurer. Statewide organization open to anyone interested in poetry. Currently has around 100 members in 3 Chapters, now in Denver, Salida, and Loveland, CO. An affiliate of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Offerings for the Denver Foothills Chapter include weekly workshops and monthly critiques. Sponsors contests, awards for students and adults, an Annual Poetry Fest and some publications. Additional information available with SASE, by phone or e-mail.
P.O. Box 702, Manchester CT 06040. E-mail: connpoetry@comcast.net. Website: ctpoetry.net. Contact: Tony Fusco, president. The Connecticut Poetry Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of poetry through chapter meetings, contests, and poetry-related events. Statewide organization open to non-Connecticut residents. Currently has about 175 members. Membership benefits include automatic membership in The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS); a free copy of The Connecticut River Review, a national poetry journal published by CPS; opportunity to publish in Long River Run II, a members-only poetry journal; quarterly CPS and NFSPS newsletters; annual April poetry celebration; and membership in any of 10 state chapters. Sponsors conferences and workshops. Sponsors The Connecticut River Review Annual Poetry Contest, The Brodinsky-Brodine Contest, The Winchell Contest, and The Lynn Decaro High School Competition. Members and nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Members meet monthly. Additional information online.
154 Christopher St., Suite 3C, New York NY 10014. (212)741-9110. E-mail: info@clmp.org. Website: www.clmp.org. “Dedicated to supporting and actively promoting the field of independent literary publishing.” Open to publishers who are primarily literary in nature, have published at least 1 issue/title prior to applying for membership, publish at least 1 issue/title annually on an ongoing basis, have a minimum print run of 500 per issue or title, do not charge authors a fee, are not primarily self-publishing, and do not primarily publish children’s/students’ work. Currently has over 500 members. Levels of membership/dues: based on publishing organization’s annual budget. See website for complete member application process. Benefits include free and discounted monographs, subscription to e-mail listserves and online databases, annual copy of The Literary Press and Magazine Directory, plus many valuable services. Additional information online.
500 Cardinal Dr., MSC3802, James Madison University, Harrisonburg VA 22807. (540)568-8883. Fax: (540)568-8888. E-mail: gabbinjv@jmu.edu. Website: www.jmu.edu/furiousflower. Contact: Joanne Gabbin, executive director. The mission of the Furious Flower Poetry Center is to advance the genre of African American Poetry by providing opportunities for education, research, and publication. Furious Flower Poetry Center serves as a resource for the campus and local Harrisonburg community. The Center hosts visiting poets, sponsors poetry workshops for emerging poets, holds an annual poetry camp for children in the community, and produces scholarly texts, videos and DVDs on African American poetry. Furious Flower has sponsored two decade-defining conferences celebrating the African American poetic tradition.
P.O. Box 2184, Columbia GA 31902. E-mail: gps@georgiapoetrysociety.org. Website: www.georgiapoetrysociety.org. Statewide organization open to any person who is in accord with the objectives to secure fuller public recognition of the art of poetry, stimulate an appreciation of poetry, and enhance the writing and reading of poetry. Currently has 200 members. Membership includes affiliation with NFSPS. Holds at least 1 workshop annually. Contests are sponsored throughout the year, some for members only. “Our contests have specific general rules, which should be followed to avoid the disappointment of disqualification. See the website for details.” Publishes Georgia Poetry Society Newsletter, a quarterly, and The Reach of Song, an annual anthology devoted to contest-winning poems and member works. Each quarterly meeting (open to the public) features at least 1 poet of regional prominence. Also sponsors a monthly open mic at the Columbus Library (Macon Rd) in Columbus, GA (open to the public). Sponsors Poetry in the Schools project. Additional information online.
E-mail: ignatius@gmail.com. Website: www.cincinnatiwritersleague.org. Contact: Bucky Ignatius, president. Purpose is to “support those who write poetry in the Cincinnati area and to promote excellence in poetry writing. We believe in creative freedom, with open, constructive critique as a learning tool.” Offerings include monthly meetings with critique or a workshop on a subject of interest to poets. Poems submitted by members are critiqued by guest critics (published poets who are also teachers or professors of poetry and/or creative writing). Group discussion of critiqued poems follows. Sponsors fall poetry contest with cash prizes; also sponsors a category of the annual Ohio Poetry Day contest with cash prizes. Occasionally publishes an anthology. Members occasionally give readings that are open to the public (see website for meeting time and place). Additional information online.
1921 Joseph St., New Orleans LA 70115. E-mail: david1gerard@hotmail.com. Website: www.hsa-haiku.org. The Haiku Society of America is composed of haiku poets, editors, critics, publishers, and enthusiasts dedicated to “promoting the creation and appreciation of haiku and related forms (haibun, haiga, renku, senryu, sequences, and tanka) among its members and the public.” Currently has over 800 members. Membership benefits include a year’s subscription to the Society’s journal, Frogpond, and to the quarterly HSA newsletter Ripples; the annual information sheet; an annual address/e-mail list of HSA members; and eligibility to submit work to the members’ anthology. Administers the following annual awards: The Harold G. Henderson Awards for haiku, The Gerald Brady Awards for senryu, The Bernard Lionel Einbond Awards for renku, The Merit Book Awards, and The Nicholas Virgilio Haiku Awards for youth. Additional information online.
300 Riverside Dr., Sleepy Hollow NY 10591. (914)332-5953. Fax: (914)332-4825. E-mail: info@writerscenter.org. Website: www.reading.org. Contact: Jo Ann Clark, executive director. “The Hudson Valley Writers’ Center is a nonprofit organization devoted to furthering the literary arts in our region. Its mission is to promote the appreciation of literary excellence, to stimulate and nurture the creation of literary works in all sectors of the population, and to bring the diverse works of gifted poets and prose artists to the attention of the public.” Open to all. Currently has 350 members. Offerings include public readings by established and emerging poets/writers, workshops and classes, monthly open mic nights, paid and volunteer outreach opportunities, and an annual chapbook competition with Slapering Hol Press. Additional information online.
P.O. Box 8139, Newark DE 19714. (302)731-1600 ext. 293. Fax: (302)731-1057. E-mail: councils@reading.org. Website: www.reading.org. “The International Reading Association seeks to promote high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction through studying the reading process and teaching techniques; serving as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of reading research through conferences, journals, and other publications; and actively encouraging the lifetime reading habit. Its goals include professional development, advocacy, partnerships, research, and global literacy development.” Sponsors annual convention. Publishes a newsletter called “Reading Today.” Sponsors a number of awards and fellowships. More information online.
International Women’s Writing Guild, 274 Madison Ave., Suite 1202, New York NY 10016. (917)720-6959. E-mail: iwwgquestions@gmail.com. Website: www.iwwg.org. Contact: Kristin Rath, director of operations. IWWG is “a network for the personal and professional empowerment of women through writing.” Open to any woman connected to the written word regardless of professional portfolio. “IWWG sponsors several annual conferences a year in all areas of the U.S. The major conference is held in June of each year at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. It is a week-long conference attracting 350 women internationally.” Also publishes a 32-page newsletter, Network, 4 times/year; offers dental and vision insurance at group rates, referrals to literary agents.
2325 61st St., Des Moines IA 50322. (515)279-1106. Website: www.iowapoetry.com. Contact: Lucille Morgan Wilson, editor. Statewide organization open to “anyone interested in poetry, with a residence or valid address in the state of Iowa.” Offerings include “semiannual workshops to which a poem may be sent in advance for critique; annual contest--also open to nonmembers--with no entry fee; IPA Newsletter, published 5 or 6 times/year, including a quarterly national publication listing of contest opportunities; and an annual poetry anthology, Lyrical Iowa, containing prize-winning and high-ranking poems from contest entries. No requirement for purchase to ensure publication.” Semiannual workshops “are the only ‘meetings’ of the association.” Additional information online.
E-mail: libby_jones@berea.edu. Website: www.kystatepoetrysociety.org. Contact: Libby Jones, president. Regional organization open to all. Member of The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Currently has about 230 members. Offerings include association with other poets; information on contests and poetry happenings across the state and nation; annual state and national contests; national and state annual conventions with workshops, selected speakers, and open poetry readings. Sponsors workshops, contests, awards. Membership includes the quarterly KSPS Newsletter. Also includes a quarterly newsletter, Strophes, of the NFSPS; and the KSPS journal, Pegasus, published 3 times/year: a Spring/ Summer and Fall/Winter issue which solicits good poetry for publication (need not be a member to submit), and a Prize Poems issue of 1st Place contest winners in over 30 categories. Members or nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Members meet annually. More information online.
THE LEAGUE OF CANADIAN POETS312-192 Spadina Ave., Toronto ON M5T 2C2, Canada. (416)504-1657. E-mail: readings@poets.ca. Website: www.poets.ca. Contact: Ingrel Madrus, readings/membership coordinator. A nonprofit national association of professional publishing and performing poets in Canada. Its purpose is “to enhance the status of poets and nurture a professional poetic community to facilitate the teaching of Canadian poetry at all levels of education and to develop the audience for poetry by encouraging publication, performance, and recognition of Canadian poetry nationally and internationally. As well as providing members and the public with many benefits and services, the League speaks for poets on many issues such as freedom of expression, Public Lending Right, CanCopy, contract advice, and grievance.” Open to all Canadian citizens and landed immigrants; applications are assessed by a membership committee. Currently has 600 members. Membership benefits include a 1-year subscription to monthly e-newsletter, discount on Gift Shop purchases, listing in online members’ catalog, and more (benefits increase with membership level). Sponsors The Pat Lowther Memorial Award (for a book of poetry by a Canadian woman published in the preceding year; $1,000 CAD prize) and The Gerald Lampert Memorial Award (recognizes the best first book of poetry published by a Canadian in the preceding year; $1,000 CAD). Additional information online.
Suite 200, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis MN 55415. (612)215-2575. E-mail: loft@loft.org. Website: www.loft.org. “The Loft is the largest and most comprehensive literary center in the country, serving both writers and readers with a variety of readings, Spoken Word performances, educational programs, contests and grants, and writing facilities.” Supporting members receive benefits including discounted tuition, admission charges, and contest fees; check-out privileges at The Loft’s Rachel Anne Gaschott Resource Library; rental access to the Book Club Meeting Room and writers’ studios and more. Additional information online.
64 Harrison Ave., Lynn MA 01905. E-mail: msps.jcmaes@comcast.net. Website: mastatepoetrysociety.tripod.com. Dedicated to the writing and appreciation of poetry and promoting the art form. Statewide organization open to anyone with an interest in poetry. Currently has 200 members. Member benefits include subscription to Bay State Echo, published 5 times/year with members’ news and announcements; members-only contests; round-robin critique groups; members-only annual anthology; workshops at society meetings; and automatic membership in National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Sponsors contests open to all poets. Guidelines online. Members or nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Sponsors open mic readings for members and the public for National Poetry Day. Members meet 5 times/year. Additional information online.
608 N. Pearl St., Luka MS 38852. E-mail: judydavies@cableone.net. Website: misspoetry.net. Contact: Judy Davies, president. Purpose is “to foster interest in the writing of poetry through a study of poetry and poetic form; to provide an opportunity for, and give recognition to, individual creative efforts relating to poetry; and to create an audience for poetry; and suggest or otherwise make known markets and contests for poetry to its members.” Statewide organization, affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS), consisting of 3 branches open to “anyone who writes poetry or is interested in fostering the interests of poetry.” Currently has 100 members. Offerings include monthly meetings, annual contests, an annual awards banquet, and opportunities to have poems critiqued in sessions at state and branch meetings. State also holds a 1-day Mini-Festival in the fall and an annual 2-day Spring Festival; includes noted speakers and contests. Publishes bimonthly newsletter Magnolia Muse (members who win places in contests are published in The Mississippi Poetry Journal; student winners are published in Fledglings). Additional information online.
Mountain Writers Center, 2804 S.E. 27th Ave., #2, Portland OR 97202. E-mail: pdxmws@mountainwriters.org. Website: www.mountainwriters.org. “Mountain Writers Series is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting writers, audiences, and other sponsors by promoting literature and literacy through artistic and educational literary arts events in the Pacific Northwest.” Currently has about 150 members. Mountain Writers Series offers intensive one-day and 2-day workshops, weekend master classes, 5-week, 8-week, and 10-week courses about writing. Sponsors readings that are open to the public. Nationally and internationally known writers are sponsored by the Mountain Writers Series Northwest Regional Residencies Program (reading tours) and the campus readings program (Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, etc.). Additional information online.
E-mail: paperlesspoetsonline@hotmail.com. Website: www.nfsps.com. “NFSPS is a nonprofit organization exclusively educational and literary. Its purpose is to recognize the importance of poetry with respect to national cultural heritage. It is dedicated solely to the furtherance of poetry on the national level and serves to unite poets in the bonds of fellowship and understanding.” Currently has 7,000 members. Any poetry group located in a state not already affiliated, but interested in affiliating with NFSPS, may contact the membership chairman (see website). In a state where no valid group exists, help may also be obtained by individuals interested in organizing a poetry group for affiliation. Most reputable state poetry societies are members of the National Federation and advertise their various poetry contests through the NFSPS quarterly newsletter Strophes. NFSPS holds an annual 3-day convention in a different state each year with workshops, an awards banquet, and addresses by nationally known poets. Sponsors an annual 50-category national contest. Additional information online.
10940 S. Parker Rd., #508, Parker CO 80138. (303)841-0246. Fax: (303)841-2607. E-mail: natlwritersassn@hotmail.com. Website: www.nationalwriters.com. Association for freelance writers. Qualifications for membership: associate membership--must be serious about writing; professional membership--must be published and paid writer (cite credentials). Sponsors workshops/conferences: TV/screenwriting workshops, NWAF Annual Conferences, Literary Clearinghouse, editing and critiquing services, local chapters, National Writer’s School. Open to non-members. Publishes industry news of interest to freelance writers; how-to articles; market information; member news and networking opportunities. Sponsors poetry contest; short story contest; article contest; novel contest. Awards cash for top 3 winners; books and/or certificates for other winners; honorable mention certificate places 5-10. Contests open to nonmembers.
256 W. 38th St., Suite 703, New York NY 10018. (212)254-0279. Fax: (212)254-0673. E-mail: nwu@nwu.org. Website: www.nwu.org. Advocacy for freelance writers. Qualifications for membership: “Membership in the NWU is open to all qualified writers, and no one shall be barred or in any manner prejudiced within the Union on account of race, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, religion or ideology. You are eligible for membership if you have published a book, a play, three articles, five poems, one short story or an equivalent amount of newsletter, publicity, technical, commercial, government or institutional copy. You are also eligible for membership if you have written an equal amount of unpublished material and you are actively writing and attempting to publish your work.” Holds workshops throughout the country. Members only section on website offers rich resources for freelance writers. Skilled contract advice and grievance help for members.
2500 North River Rd., Manchester NH 03106. (603)314-7980. Fax: (603)314-7981. E-mail: info@nhwritersproject.org. Website: www.nhwritersproject.org. Statewide organization open to writers at all levels in all genres. Currently has 600+ members. Offerings include workshops, seminars, an annual conference, and a literary calendar. Sponsors day-long workshops and 4- to 6-week intensive courses. Also sponsors the biennial New Hampshire Literary Awards for outstanding literary achievement (including The Jane Kenyon Award for Outstanding Book of Poetry). Publishes NH Writer, a quarterly newsletter for and about New Hampshire writers. Members and nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Additional information online.
NCPS, 3814 Hulon Dr., Durham NC 27705. Website: www.ncpoetrysociety.org. The North Carolina Poetry Society holds poetry-related contests and gives away several awards each year, for both Adults and Students (which includes 3rd Graders all the way to University Undergraduates). Statewide organization open to non-NC residents. Purpose: to encourage the reading, writing, study, and publication of poetry. NCPS brings poets together in meetings that feature workshops, presentations by noted poets and publishers, book and contest awards, and an annual anthology of award-winning poems. Currently has 350 members from NC and beyond. Sponsors annual Poetry Contest with categories for adults and students. Contests are open to anyone, with small fee for nonmembers. Winning poems are published in Pinesong, NCPS’s annual anthology. A free copy is given to all winners, who are also invited to read at Awards Day. NCPS also sponsors the annual Brockman-Campbell Book Award for a book of poetry over 20 pages by a North Carolina poet (native-born or current resident for 3 years. NCPS also cosponsors the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Series with The North Carolina Center for the Book, for the purpose of mentoring young poets across the state. Additional information online.
P.O. Box 21591, Winston-Salem NC 27120. (336)293-8844. E-mail: mail@ncwriters.org. Website: www.ncwriters.org. Supports the work of writers, writers’ organizations, independent bookstores, little magazines and small presses, and literary programming statewide. Currently has 1,000 members. Membership benefits include The Writers’ Network News, a 24-page quarterly newsletter containing organizational news, trend in writing and publishing, and other literary material of interest to writers; and access to the NCWN online resources, other writers, workshops, writer’s residencies, conferences, readings and competitions, and NCWN’s critiquing and editing service. Annual fall conference features nationally known writers, publishers, and editors, held in a different North Carolina location each November. Sponsors competitions in short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for North Carolina residents and NCWN members. Guidelines online.
E-mail: chuck@ohiopoetryassn.org. Website: www.ohiopoetryassn.org. Promotes the art of poetry, and furthers the support of poets and others who support poetry. Statewide membership with additional members in several other states, Japan, and England. Affiliated with the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Open to poets and writers of all ages and ability, as well as to non-writing lovers of poetry. Currently has about 215 members. Member benefits include regular contests; meeting/workshop participation; assistance with writing projects; networking; twice-yearly magazine, Common Threads, publishing only poems by members; quarterly Ohio Poetry Association Newsletter ; quarterly NFSPS newsletters (Strophes); automatic NFSPS membership; and contest information and lower entry fees for NFSPS contests. Members are automatically on the mailing list for Ohio Poetry Day contest guidelines (OPA financially supports Ohio Poetry Day). Individual chapters regularly host workshops and seminars. Members and nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public (at quarterly meetings; public is invited). Sponsors open mic readings for members and the public. Members meet quarterly (September, December, March, May). Additional information available online. “In short, OPA provides poets with opportunities to share info, critique, publish, sponsor contests, and just socialize.”
588 Broadway, Suite 303, New York NY 10012. (212)334-1660. Fax: (212)334-2181. E-mail: info@pen.org. Website: www.pen.org. “An association of writers working to advance literature, to defend free expression, and to foster international literary fellowship. The standard qualification for a writer to become a member of PEN is publication of two or more books of a literary character, or one book generally acclaimed to be of exceptional distinction. Also eligible for membership: editors who have demonstrated commitment to excellence in their profession (usually construed as five years’ service in book editing); translators who have published at least two book-length literary translations; playwrights whose works have been produced professionally; and literary essayists whose publications are extensive even if they have not yet been issued as a book. Candidates for membership may be nominated by a PEN member or they may nominate themselves with the support of two references from the literary community or from a current PEN member. PEN members receive a subscription to the PEN journal, the PEN Annual Report, and have access to medical insurance at group rates. Members living in the New York metropolitan and tri-state area, or near the Branches, are invited to PEN events throughout the year. Membership in PEN American Center includes reciprocal privileges in PEN American Center branches and in foreign PEN Centers for those traveling abroad. Application forms are available online. PEN American Center is the largest of the 141 centers of PEN International, the world’s oldest human rights organization and the oldest international literary organization. PEN International was founded in 1921 to dispel national, ethnic, and racial hatreds and to promote understanding among all countries. PEN American Center, founded a year later, works to advance literature, to defend free expression, and to foster international literary fellowship. The Center has a membership of 3,400 distinguished writers, editors, and translators. In addition to defending writers in prison or in danger of imprisonment for their work, PEN American Center sponsors public literary programs and forums on current issues, sends prominent authors to inner-city schools to encourage reading and writing, administers literary prizes, promotes international literature that might otherwise go unread in the United States, and offers grants and loans to writers facing financial or medical emergencies.”
P.O. Box 4279, Pittsburgh PA 15203. (412)481-POEM. E-mail: ppepoets@yahoo.com. Website: pghpoetryexchange.pghfree.net. Contact: Michael Wurster, coordinator. A community-based volunteer organization for local poets, it functions as a service organization and information exchange, conducting ongoing workshops, readings, forums, and other special events to promote poets and poetry. No dues or fees. “Any monetary contributions are voluntary, often from outside sources. We’ve managed not to let our reach exceed our grasp.” Currently has about 30 members (with a mailing list of 400). Reading programs are primarily committed to local and area poets, with honorariums of $25-85. Sponsors a minimum of 3 major events each year in addition to a monthly workshop (first Monday, 8 p.m, City Books); these include reading programs in conjunction with community arts festivals, such as South Side Poetry in October--a series of readings throughout the evening at various shops, galleries, and bookstores. Poets from out of town may contact the Exchange for assistance in setting up readings at bookstores to help sell their books. “We have been partnering with Autumn House Press in co-sponsoring events and bringing some of its authors to town.” Members meet on an ongoing basis, at least twice monthly. Additional information online. “Pittsburgh is a very exciting literary town.”
POETRY BOOK SOCIETYThe Dutch House, 307-308 High Holborn, London WC1V 7LL, United Kingdom. E-mail: info@poetrybooks.co.uk. Website: www.poetrybooks.co.uk. Contact: Ms. Chris Holifield. A book club that promotes “the best newly published contemporary poetry to as wide an audience as possible.” Membership: 2,200. All members receive a subscription to the quarterly PBS Bulletin, 25% discount on almost all poetry books published in the UK, and advance notice of poetry events; Full Members also receive 4 PBS Choice selections free. New members receive a welcome gift. The PBS selectors also recommend other books of special merit each quarter. Sponsors the T.S. Eliot Prize for the best new single author collection published in the UK and Ireland in the calendar year. The Poetry Book Society is subsidized by the Arts Council of England. Additional information online.
61 W. Superior St., Chicago IL 60654. (312)787-7070. Fax: (312)787-6650. E-mail: mail@poetryfoundation.org. Website: poetryfoundation.org. “The Poetry Foundation is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. Initiatives include publishing Poetry magazine; distributing Ted Kooser’s American Life in Poetry newspaper project; funding and promotion of Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest (in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and state arts associations); Poetry Everywhere, a series of short poetry films airing on public television and on transportation systems across the country; The Essential American Poets podcast series featuring seminal recordings of major American Poets reading from their work, as selected by former Poet Laureate Donald Hall; and www.poetryfoundation.org, an award-winning comprehensive online resource for poetry featuring an archive of more than 6,500 poems by more than 600 classic and contemporary poets. The site also includes the poetry blog “Harriet,” poetry-related articles, a bestseller list, video programming, a series of poetry podcasts, and reading guides about poets and poetry. The Poetry Foundation annually awards the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize, of $100,000, and the Ruth Lilly Poetry Fellowships, 5 annual awards of $15,000 to young poets to support their further studies in poetry.” More information online.
POETRY LIBRARYThe Saison Poetry Library, Level 5, Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom. (44)(207)921-0943/0664. Fax: (44)(207)921-0607. E-mail: info@poetrylibrary.org.uk. Website: www.poetrylibrary.org.uk. Contact: Chris McCabe, librarian. A “free public library of modern poetry. It contains a comprehensive collection of all British poetry published since 1912 and an international collection of poetry from all over the world, either written in or translated into English. As the United Kingdom’s national library for poetry, it offers loan and information services and a large collection of poetry magazines, cassettes, compact discs, videos, records, poem posters, and cards; also press cuttings and photographs of poets.”
THE POETRY SOCIETY22 Betterton St., London WC2H 9BX, United Kingdom. (44)(207)420-9880. E-mail: info@poetrysociety.org.uk. Website: www.poetrysociety.org.uk. One of Britain’s most dynamic arts organizations, with membership open to all. “The Poetry Society exists to help poets and poetry thrive in Britain today. Our members come from all over the world, and their support enables us to promote poetry on a global scale.” Publishes Poetry Review, Britain’s most prominent poetry magazine, and Poetry News, the Society’s newsletter, as well as books and posters to support poetry in the classroom. Runs the National Poetry Competition and The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award (for poets aged 11-17), as well as many other competitions, services, and education projects for readers and writers of poetry. More information online.
15 Gramercy Park, New York NY 10003. (212)254-9628. Fax: (212)673-2352. Website: www.poetrysociety.org. The Poetry Society of America is a national nonprofit organization for poets and lovers of poetry. All paid members receive Crossroads: The Journal of the Poetry Society of America; additional benefits available as membership levels increase. Sponsors readings and lectures as well as the Poetry in Motion program. Provides free-to-join PSA electronic mailing list for news of upcoming events. PSA also sponsors a number of competitions for members and nonmembers.
170 Browns Ridge Rd., Ossipee NH 03864. E-mail: info@poetrysocietyofnewhampshire.org. Website: www.poetrysocietyofnewhampshire.org. A statewide organization for anyone interested in poetry. Currently has 200 members. Offerings include annual subscription to quarterly magazine, The Poet’s Touchstone; critiques, contests, and workshops; public readings; and quarterly meetings with featured poets. Members and nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Sponsors open mic readings for members and the public. Additional information available for SASE or by e-mail. “We do sponsor a national contest four times a year. People from all over the country enter and win.”
P.O. Box 1090, Charleston SC 29402. E-mail: president@poetrysocietysc.org. Website: www.poetrysocietysc.org. The Poetry Society of South Carolina supports “the reading, writing, study, and enjoyment of poetry.” Statewide organization open to anyone interested in poetry. Offers programs in Charleston that are free and open to the public September-May (except for members-only holiday party in December). Currently has 150 members. Membership benefits include discounts to PSSC-sponsored seminars and workshops held in various SC locations; a copy of the annual Yearbook of contest-winning poems; eligibility to read at the open mic and to enter contests without a fee; and an invitation to the annual holiday party. Sponsors a monthly Writers’ Group, a January open mic reading featuring PSSC members, a Charleston Poetry Walk during Piccolo Spoleto in June, and a May Forum leading to an audience-selected poetry prize. Sponsors two yearly contests, totaling 20-25 contest categories, some with themes; some are open to all poets, others open only to SC residents or PSSC members. Guidelines available online. Also offers the Skylark Prize, a competition for SC high school students. Sometimes offers a chapbook competition. Members and nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Additional information online.
18 S. Rembert, Memphis TN 38104. Website: poetrysocietytn.org. Contact: Russell H. Strauss. Purpose is “to promote writing, reading, and appreciation of poetry among members of the society and the community; to improve poetry writing skills of members and local students.” State poetry society, with some out-of-state members. Affiliate of National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Current membership about 70. Yearbook contains names, addresses, e-mail addresses of officers and members; winning poems by members and student members; and more. Society activities include programs with speakers; poetry contests, readings, and workshops; one meeting a year dedicated to students; plus Mid-South Poetry Festival first Saturday in October with workshop and prizes. Poetry readings about four times a year in local restaurants and bookstores.
518 Grinnell Dr., Garland TX 75043. (972)270-4994. E-mail: catherinepoet@juno.com. Website: www.poetrysocietyoftexas.org. “The purpose of the society shall be to secure fuller public recognition of the art of poetry, to encourage the writing of poetry by Texans, and to kindle a finer and more intelligent appreciation of poetry, especially the work of living poets who interpret the spirit and heritage of Texas.” Poetry Society of Texas is a member of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS). Has 25 chapters in cities throughout the state. Currently has 300 members. Offerings include annual contests with prizes in excess of $5,000 as well as monthly contests (general and humorous); 8 monthly meetings; annual awards banquet; annual summer conference in a different location each year; round-robin critiquing opportunities sponsored at the state level; and Poetry in Schools with contests at state and local chapter levels. “Our monthly state meetings are held at the Preston Royal Branch of the Dallas Public Library. Our annual awards banquet is held at the Crown Plaza Suites in Dallas. Our summer conference is held at a site chosen by the hosting chapter. Chapters determine their meeting sites.” PST publishes A Book of the Year, which presents annual and monthly award-winning poems, coming contest descriptions, minutes of meetings, by-laws of the society, history, and information. Also publishes the Poetry Society of Texas Bulletin, a monthly newsletter that features statewide news documenting contest winners, state meeting information, chapter and individual information, news from the NFSPS, and announcements of coming activities and offerings for poets. Members and nationally known writers give readings. “All of our meetings are open to the public.” Additional information online.
90 Broad St, Suite 2100, New York NY 10004. (212)226-3586. Website: www.pw.org. Poets & Writers’ mission is “to foster the professional development of poets and writers, to promote communication throughout the U.S. literary community, and to help create an environment in which literature can be appreciated by the widest possible public.” The largest nonprofit literary organization in the nation, P&W offers information, support, resources, and exposure to poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers at all stages in their careers. Sponsors the Readings/Workshops Program, through which P&W sponsors more than 1,700 literary events in New York, California, and other cities in the U.S. Sponsors the Writers Exchange Contest; the Jacobson Poetry Prize; and the Amy Award. Additional information online.
10 River Terrace, New York NY 10282. (212)431-7920. Fax: (212)431-8131. E-mail: info@poetshouse.org. Website: www.poetshouse.org. Poets House, a national poetry library and literary center, is a “home for all who read and write poetry.” Resources include the 50,000-volume poetry collection, conference room, exhibition space, a programming hall, and a Children’s Room. Over 200 annual public programs include panel discussions and lectures, readings, seminars and workshops, and children’s events. In addition, Poets House continues its collaboration with public library systems, Poetry in The Branches, a multi-faceted program model to help libraries nationwide create a complete environment for poetry locally (see website for information). Finally, each year Poets House hosts the Poets House Showcase, a comprehensive exhibit of the year’s new poetry releases from commercial, university, and independent presses across the country. “Poets House depends, in part, on tax-deductible contributions of its nationwide members.” Additional information online.
P.O. Box 907, Winchester CA 92596. E-mail: sfpatreasurer@gmail.com. Website: www.sfpoetry.com. The Science Fiction Poetry Association was founded “to bring together poets and readers interested in science fiction poetry (poetry with some element of speculation, usually science fiction, fantasy, or horror).” Membership benefits include 6 issues/year of Star*Line, a journal filled with poetry, reviews, articles, and more; one issue of the annual Rhysling Anthology of the best science fiction poetry of the previous year; opportunity to nominate one short poem and one long poem to be printed in the anthology, and to vote for which poems should receive that year’s Rhysling award; half-priced advertising on the SFPA website, with greater subject matter leeway than non-members; eligibility to vote for SFPA officers (or run for officer); mailings with the latest news. Additional information online.
SCOTTISH POETRY LIBRARY5 Crichton’s Close, Edinburgh EH8 8DT, Scotland. (44)(131)557-2876. Fax: (44)(131)557-8393. E-mail: reception@spl.org.uk. Website: www.spl.org.uk. A reference information source and free lending library; also lends by post. Arranges poetry-writing workshops throughout Scotland, mainly for young people. The library has a web-based catalog available that allows searches of all the library’s resources, including books, magazines, and audio material--over 30,000 items of Scottish and international poetry. Need not be a member to borrow material; memberships available strictly to support the library’s work. Benefits include semiannual newsletter, annual report, new publications listings, and book offers. The School of Poets is open to anyone; “at meetings, members divide into small groups in which each participatn reads a poem, which is then analyzed and discussed.” Also offers a Critical Service in which groups of up to 6 poems, not exceeding 200 lines in all, are given critical comment by members of the School: 15 for each critique (with SAE). Additional information online.
Box 715, Avon CT 06001. (860)675-1344. E-mail: brianjud@bookapss.org. Website: www.spannet.org. Contact: Brian Jud, executive director. Founded to “advance the image and profits of independent publishers and authors through education and marketing opportunities.” Open to “authors, small- to medium-sized publishers, and the vendors who serve them.” Currently has 1,300 members. Offers marketing ideas, sponsors annual conference. Additional information online.
439 S. Catalina Ave., #306, Pasadena CA 91106. Website: www.tankasocietyofamerica.org. Contact: Kathabela Wilson, secretary. The Tanka Society of America, a nonprofit volunteer organization, aims to further the writing, reading, study, and appreciation of tanka poetry in English. Open to anyone interested in tanka. Membership dues for USA, Canada, and International are available online. Membership offerings include the quarterly Ribbons: Tanka Society of America Journal and eligibility to submit poems to annual members’ anthology. The Tanka Society of American also conducts an annual international tanka competition with cash awards and publication of winning poems. Additional information online.
1508 E. Helen St., P.O. Box 210129, Tucson AZ 85721. (520)626-3765. E-mail: poetry@email.arizona.edu. Website: www.poetrycenter.arizona.edu. Contact: Gail Browne, executive director. “Open to the public, the University of Arizona Poetry Center is a contemporary poetry archive and a nationally acclaimed poetry collection that includes over 70,000 items. Programs and services include a library with a noncirculating poetry collection and space for small classes; online lesson plan library; High School Bilingual Corrido Contest; K-16 field trip program; summer camps; poetry-related meetings and activities; facilities, research support, and referral information about poetry and poets for local and national communities; reading series; community creative writing classes and workshops; a summer residency offered each year to two writers (one prose, one poetry) selected by jury; and poetry awards, readings, and special events for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Additional information available by phone, e-mail, or website. Become a ‘Friend of the Poetry Center’ by making an annual contribution.”
Utah Arts Council & NEA, 864 N. Bonita Way, Centerville UT 84014. (801)292-0283. E-mail: poetkmm@msn.com. Website: www.utahpoets.com. Purpose is to secure a wider appreciation of the poetry arts and to promote excellence in writing poetry. Statewide organization. Membership is open to all citizens of the State of Utah and to interested people from any other state in the union, without consideration of age, race, regional, religious, educational, or other backgrounds. Currently has about 200 members. Membership benefits include membership in National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) and subscription to their newsletter Strophes, copy of the Book of the Year and other publications, and full contest privileges. Sponsors conferences, workshops, contests, awards. USPS publishes, semiannually, work of members in a chapbook anthology. Publishes Poet Tree, a semiannual newsletter (also available online). Publishes one winning manuscript annually. Members or nationally known writers give readings/workshops that are open to the public. Chapters meet at least once a month, with open readings, critiques, lessons. Annual Awards Festival includes open reading. Additional information online. “We welcome all potential members.”
301 E. Kent St., Apt. C, Wausau WI 54403. E-mail: krieselmichaela@gmail.com. Website: www.wfop.org. Statewide organization open to residents and former residents of Wisconsin who are interested in the aims and endeavors of the organization. Currently has 485 members. Sponsors biannual conferences, workshops, contests and awards. Publishes Wisconsin Poets’ Calendar, poems of Wisconsin (resident) poets. Also publishes Museletter, a quarterly newsletter. Members or nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Sponsors open mic readings. Additional information online.
1 Ekman St., Worcester MA 01607. (508)797-4770. E-mail: wcpaboard@yahoo.com. Website: wcpa.homestead.com. Contact: Membership Chair. The Worcester County Poetry Association is “open to all who appreciate poetry and wish to support the vibrant Worcester poetry community.” Membership benefits include annual subscription to The Worcester Review; all WCPA mailings, including broadsides, calendars, and The Issue; and fee-free submission to the WCPA Annual Poetry Contest. Additional information online.
WORDS WITHOUT BORDERSP.O. Box 1658, New York NY 10276. E-mail: info@wordswithoutborders.org. Website: www.wordswithoutborders.org. “Words Without Borders opens doors to international exchange through translation, publications, and promotion of the world’s best writing. Our ultimate aim is to introduce exciting international writing to the general public--travelers, teachers, students, publishers, and a new generation of eclectic readers-- by presenting international literature not as a static, elite phenomenon, but a portal through which to explore the world. The heart of WWB’s work is its online magazine. Monthly issues feature new selections of contemporary world literature, most of which would never have been accessible to English-speaking readers without WWB. Members and international writers give readings that are open to the public. Finally, Words without Borders is building an education program in order to expose students at both the high school and college levels to a broader spectrum of contemporary international literature. Our goal is to provide content and resources fostering the use of contemporary literature in the classroom. We hope that in reaching out to students we can create a passion for international literature, a curiosity about other cultures, and help cultivate true world citizens. See website for additional information.”
P.O. Box 42164, Washington DC 20015. E-mail: editor@wordworksdc.com. Website: www.wordworksdc.com. Word Works is “a nonprofit literary organization publishing contemporary poetry in single-author editions.” Membership benefits at the basic level include choice of 2 books from The Word Works book list, newsletter, and 20% discount on additional book orders; in addition to these benefits, sustaining members are eligible for online critique of several poems via e-mail. Sponsors an ongoing poetry reading series, educational programs, and the Hilary Tham Capital Collection. Sponsors The Washington Prize, one of the older ms publishing prizes, and The Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Competition. Additional information online.
4508 Walsh St., Bethesda MD 20815. (301)654-8664. E-mail: post.master@writer.org. Website: www.writer.org. Contact: Stewart Moss, executive director. Voluntary, membership organization open to all skill levels. “The Writer’s Center is a nonprofit community of writers supporting each other in the creation and marketing of literary texts.” Annually conducts hundreds of workshops; hosts literary events, readings, and conferences; publishes Writer’s Carousel, a quarterly magazine of articles and writing news for members. Also publishes Poet Lore, America’s oldest poetry journal. Additional information online.
WRITERS' FEDERATION OF NOVA SCOTIA1113 Marginal Rd., Halifax NS B3H 4P7, Canada. (902)423-8116. Fax: (902)422-0881. E-mail: director@writers.ns.ca. Website: www.writers.ns.ca. Purpose of organization: “to foster creative writing and the profession of writing in Nova Scotia; to provide advice and assistance to writers at all stages of their careers; and to encourage greater public recognition of Nova Scotian writers and their achievements.” Regional organization open to anybody who writes. Currently has 800+ members. Offerings include resource library with over 2,500 titles, promotional services, workshop series, annual festivals, mentorship program. Publishes Eastword, a bimonthly newsletter containing “a plethora of information on who’s doing what; markets and contests; and current writing events and issues.” Members and nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Additional information online.
WRITERS GUILD OF ALBERTA11759 Groat Rd., Edmonton AB T5M 3K6, Canada. (780)422-8174. E-mail: mail@writersguild.ab.ca. Website: www.writersguild.ab.ca. Purpose of organization: to support, encourage and promote writers and writing, to safeguard the freedom to write and to read, and to advocate for the well-being of writers in Alberta. Currently has over 1,000 members. Offerings include retreats/conferences; monthly events; bimonthly magazine that includes articles on writing and a market section; weekly electronic bulletin with markets and event listings; and the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry (Alberta residents only). Holds workshops/conferences. Publishes a newsletter focusing on markets, competitions, contemporary issues related to the literary arts (writing, publishing, censorship, royalties etc.). Sponsors annual literary awards in 5 categories (novel, nonfiction, children’s literature, poetry, drama). Awards include $1,500, leather-bound book, promotion and publicity. Open to nonmembers.
740 Broadway, 12th Floor, New York NY 10003. (212)254-6995. E-mail: writersroom@writersroom.org. Website: www.writersroom.org. Provides a “home away from home” for any writer who needs space to work. Currently has about 350 members. Emerging and established writers may apply. Large loft provides desk space, Internet access, storage, and more. Call for application or download from website.
National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park S., New York NY 10003. Website: www.yeatssociety.org. Contact: Andrew McGowan, president. Founded “to promote the legacy of Irish poet and Nobel Laureate William Butler Yeats through an annual program of lectures, readings, poetry competition, and special events.” National organization open to anyone. Currently has 450 members. Sponsors The W.B. Yeats Society Annual Poetry Competition. Also sponsors conferences/workshops. Each April, presents an all-day Saturday program, “A Taste of Yeats Summer School in Ireland.” Nationally known writers give readings that are open to the public. Members meet approximately monthly, September to June. Additional information online.