Housewarming!

Since 2017, we have been peddling (and pedalling!) our wares through the streets of Oxford in a big purple cargo bike. We now at last have a physical space to call our own in The Community Works in the heart of the city centre. After months of painting shelves, getting books onto those shelves, gathering an army of volunteer librarians, and setting up our regular opening hours, we are ready to celebrate this new space and have a proper housewarming.

To mark the occasion, we will be running a whole day of activities for all ages, and an evening showcase of poetry performances on Saturday April 9th.

Housewarming Day

On Saturday 9^th April between 10am and 4pm for a day of poetry fun, crafting, and storytelling. You’ll find a wide range of fun activities to try out, designed for people of all ages and abilities, all alongside our diverse collection of poetry which is free to browse and borrow.

Here’s a flavour of the fun you can take part in:

·       Take part in a poetry game, including our famously fun magnetic poetry kit

·       Pop in and add a line or two to an Oxford Community poem using a retro typewriter

·       Listen to stories from the Many Voices Collection told by local writers and performers

·       Take part in Poetry Orienteering to find hidden gem locations in Oxford, and then decorate a map with a poem of your making

·       Help us decorate the library with art and collaging

·       Join in a Poetry Workshop and, if you’re feeling like it, share your poem

This event is free but any donations will be gratefully received!

Housewarming Night

On Saturday April 9th from 7.30pm, join us for an evening of poetry, spoken word, and music. We will have performances from gems of the Oxford poetry scene:

Laura Theis

Claire LeMaster

Gommie

and a musical interlude from Sam Twigg Johnson.

We will also have an open mic session so please bring your own spoken word to share, if you would like to perform. Slots will be 2 minutes long and sign-up will be on the door on arrival. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve got up your sleeve!

Tickets for the evening event are £7 (£5 concessions/Patreon supporters) and can be bought in advance here.

The Community Works can be found on Frideswide Square, opposite the train station at 21 Park End Street. To find out more about this new venue, click here.

To find out more about this event, including any questions about accessibility, please drop us a line at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com