This is Just to Say: spoken word open mic

Oxford Poetry Library presents a spoken word open mic night! Join us in the library on the first Tuesday of every month to enjoy all manner of word-weaving, story-sharing, and spell-casting.

We welcome poets, storytellers, and writers of all kinds to share their work (or the work of others) in a safe, supportive, and inclusive space. Slots are 2-3 minutes long, and performers sign up on the door – first come, first served and slots fill up quickly so we recommend arriving in good time for 7pm!

At OPL we want everyone to feel comfortable and has space to enjoy the night. That’s why we have a few basic guidelines that we ask everyone to follow:

• Please refrain from using discriminatory language or harmful content in your performance. If you are unsure about your performance, speak to the host when you arrive.
• You should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.

Every month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Leatrice! Originally from NYC, Leatrice moved to the UK to pursue a master’s at Oxford University and has lived here since. Her writing focuses on belonging, mental health and human connection, and is featured or forthcoming in various literary magazines and corners of the web. Recently, she was longlisted for The Poet’s Workshop 2026 prize and Fish Publishing Haiku Prize. She also was a featured reader at the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square, the Oxford Indie Book Fair, and will be reading at Electric Picnic this summer. She released her debut poetry collection, Yearbook Signing (Reconnecting Rainbows Press), in January 2026. She has held residencies at The Papers School at the National Poetry Library and the Hold Space Festival at Crypt Gallery London, and was delighted to compete in the Oxford Poetry Library’s first-ever Poetry Bake-Off last year!

This month’s theme is THE PRESENT PAST. Summer is the season where time warps and wonks, so we’re bringing the past into our present and asking you to bring work which does the same. Think nostalgia, old loves, childhood, history, hiraeth, hauntings, and homesickness. 

The session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm), at The Community Works (21 Park End St, OX1 1HU).

£5 entry (£2 concessions), performers free.

The building is accessible, but if you have any specific access needs, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!