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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260921T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260921T213000
DTSTAMP:20260316T195358Z
CREATED:20260102T092757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195358Z
UID:12670-1790019000-1790026200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- September
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-september/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260911T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260911T210000
DTSTAMP:20260731T124458Z
CREATED:20260731T124458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T124458Z
UID:13791-1789153200-1789160400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Thundering In Your Ear
DESCRIPTION:Four poets gather at the Oxford Poetry Library on Friday\, 11 September at 7pm\, to celebrate new books by Jay Gao (The Dead One) and Theophilus Kwek (Odeon). Join them\, alongside Mary Jean Chan and Nathaniel Chew\, to hear some of their latest work\, with echoes of the many cities they’ve called home – including Edinburgh\, Hong Kong\, New York\, Singapore\, Oxford and beyond. \nTickets are £5 (£2 concessions\, £10 to pay a little more to support the work we do) – please book tickets in advance here! \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand. \n  \nMore about the poets –   \nJay Gao is a poet and writer from Edinburgh\, Scotland\, living in New York City. His second poetry collection The Dead One\, The Unconscious One\, Thundering in Your Ear\, Thriving Slumber is forthcoming in Fall 2026 from Nightboat Books and Carcanet Press. His debut collection Imperium (2022) was a winner of the 2023 Michael Murphy Memorial Prize\, an Eric Gregory Award and a Somerset Maugham Award. Currently\, he is a PhD candidate in English at Columbia University. \n  \nNathaniel Chew is a librarian and writer from Singapore\, interluding in Oxford. His collection featherweight (2019) won the Golden Point Award for Poetry in English\, and his writing is published in New Singapore Poetries (Gaudy Boy\, 2022)\, Multiple Exposures (Longbarrow Press\, 2022)\, and online at ArtsEquator\, PR&TA\, and Quarterly Literary Review Singapore. \n  \nMary Jean Chan is the author of Flèche (Faber & Faber\, 2019)\, which won the Costa Book Award for Poetry. Bright Fear (Faber\, 2023)\, their second book\, was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best Collection and the Dylan Thomas Prize. Chan co-edited 100 Queer Poems (Vintage\, 2022) with Andrew McMillan\, and is currently Departmental Lecturer in Poetry on the MSt in Creative Writing and Senior Research Fellow at Harris Manchester College\, Oxford. \n  \nTheophilus Kwek has published five collections of poetry\, most recently Commonwealth (Carcanet Press\, 2025). In 2023\, he was the youngest writer and first Singaporean to be awarded the Cikada Prize by the Swedish Institute\, for poetry that “defends the inviolability of life”. His essays have appeared in the Times Literary Supplement\, Columbia Journal\, Wasafiri and elsewhere. Odeon (Ethos Books\, 2026) is his first book-length work of nonfiction.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/thundering-in-your-ear/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Thundering_graphic-insta.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260817T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260817T223000
DTSTAMP:20260316T195325Z
CREATED:20260102T092657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195325Z
UID:12668-1786995000-1787005800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- August
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group. \n 
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-august/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260804T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260804T220000
DTSTAMP:20260717T101911Z
CREATED:20251024T165852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T101911Z
UID:12042-1785871800-1785880800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This is Just to Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nEvery 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! \nThis 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.  \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-42/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260720T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260720T213000
DTSTAMP:20260316T195246Z
CREATED:20260102T092533Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195246Z
UID:12666-1784575800-1784583000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- July
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-july/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260707T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260707T220000
DTSTAMP:20260612T125412Z
CREATED:20251024T165752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260612T125412Z
UID:12040-1783452600-1783461600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This is Just To Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Jennifer Wong. Jennifer Wong is the author of Light Year and Letters Home\, both published by Nine Arches Press and which received the Poetry Book Society Commendation. Wong has a creative writing PhD in creative writing from Oxford Brookes and teaches creative writing part-time. Her work has been included in anthologies and magazines including Nature Matters: Vital Poems by Poets from the Global Majority (Faber)\, Poetry London and The Rialto. She is the editor of a Rebecca Swift Foundation woman’s poetry anthology Woman\, Mapped (Fly on the Wall Press) forthcoming in 2026. \nThe theme for this month is CONSTELLATIONS. We’re all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars. Whether you’re seeing stars\, starry-eyed\, or star-struck\, we hope the stars align to allow you to join us for an evening of star-gazing. Bring your twinkliest poetry or prose to share. \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-41/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260615T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260615T213000
DTSTAMP:20260316T195210Z
CREATED:20260102T092415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195210Z
UID:12664-1781551800-1781559000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- June
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-june/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260602T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260602T220000
DTSTAMP:20260515T135125Z
CREATED:20251024T165627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T135125Z
UID:12038-1780428600-1780437600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This Just To Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Daniel Sluman. Daniel is a poet and disability rights activist. He co-edited the first major UK Disability poetry anthology Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Back and he has had four poetry collections publisher by Nine Arches Press.’  His most recent book is ‘Pain Songs’ and his prior collection ‘single window’  was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize. \nThe theme for this session is INTIMACY. We’re getting up close and personal this month – intimacy can be physical\, emotional\, spiritual\, so we invite you to get nice and vulnerable! Come whisper your sweet nothings in our ear… \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260518T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260518T213000
DTSTAMP:20260316T195121Z
CREATED:20260102T092257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195121Z
UID:12661-1779132600-1779139800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- May
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group. \n 
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-may/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260505T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260505T220000
DTSTAMP:20260410T123917Z
CREATED:20251024T165522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T123917Z
UID:12035-1778009400-1778018400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This is Just to Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Erica Hesketh. Erica is a poet and editor\, originally from Japan and Denmark\, now based in London. Her debut collection In the Lily Room was published by Nine Arches Press in 2025\, and her pamphlet To an Unknown Receiver: Sonnets & Cascades will be published by Guillemot Press in June. From 2016 to 2024 she was director of the Poetry Translation Centre\, and she is currently artistic director of Winchester Poetry Festival. \nThis month’s theme is CARE. Are you caring for someone\, or is someone caring for you? What do you care about? Why should we care? Make us care. \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-40/
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260420T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260420T213000
DTSTAMP:20260316T195026Z
CREATED:20260102T092002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195026Z
UID:12656-1776713400-1776720600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- April
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-april/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260407T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260407T220000
DTSTAMP:20260320T144955Z
CREATED:20251024T165434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T144955Z
UID:12033-1775590200-1775599200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This is Just To Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nThe theme for this month’s session is LEARNING HOW TO SEE. We want your fresh perspectives\, your new ways of looking: at yourself\, each other\, or the world. Should be an eye-opening evening! \nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Lee Campbell! Dr Lee Campbell is an artist\, poet\, filmmaker\, co-curator of POW! Play on Words (a regular spoken word platform in London along with Colin B. Osborn) and Senior Lecturer at University of the Arts London. His debut poetry collection ‘See Me: An (Almost) Autobiography’ was published by London Poetry Books in November 2024. Other publications of his poetry include The Atticus Review\, Ink\, Sweat and Tears\, Otherwise\, You Are Here – The Journal of Creative Geography\, Queerlings\, Streetcake\, Step Away Magazine\, London Grip and Flight of the DragonFly. His chapbook ‘Queering the Landscape’ was shortlisted for the 2024 Broken Spine Chapbook Poetry Competition. In 2025\, he headlined at many established poetry platforms including The Word Zoo\, Rhymes and Stitches\, Big Trouble and Medway Poetry Night\, Testing Grounds and The Poetry Shack. His experimental performance poetry films have been selected for many international film festivals and prizes since 2019 including shortlisted for Best Poetry Film at the Out-Spoken Poetry Prize 2023\, Queen Elizabeth Hall\, Southbank Centre\, London. \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-39/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260316T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260316T213000
DTSTAMP:20260102T092101Z
CREATED:20260102T091647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260102T092101Z
UID:12654-1773689400-1773696600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- March
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group. \nThere’s no need to book or buy tickets- feel free just to join us on the zoom link here:\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85006693701?pwd=TzJpeTBRZGdudlBQTlM0OWJQcVZxdz09
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-march/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260303T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260303T220000
DTSTAMP:20260213T162147Z
CREATED:20251024T165340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T162147Z
UID:12031-1772566200-1772575200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This is Just to Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nTo celebrate the turning of the season\, we’re doing something a little bit different this month. We will be bouncing into spring with celebratory energy and growth\, so our featured performer will be everybody! That’s right – we’re going for a bumper crop of voices. Rather than having a featured slot\, we’re cramming in as many performers as we can and celebrating the diversity of the community we’ve got here. Theme is ABUNDANCE. \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-38/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260216T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260216T213000
DTSTAMP:20260102T092023Z
CREATED:20260102T091454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260102T092023Z
UID:12650-1771270200-1771277400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- February
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group. \nThere’s no need to book or buy tickets- feel free just to join us on the zoom link here:\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85006693701?pwd=TzJpeTBRZGdudlBQTlM0OWJQcVZxdz09
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-february/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260203T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260203T220000
DTSTAMP:20260116T122337Z
CREATED:20251024T165242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T122337Z
UID:12029-1770147000-1770156000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This is Just to Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Holly Moberley. Holly (she/they) is a queer poet and poison berry from the South East. She is a Poetry Society Young Critic and has been published in fourteen poems\, Bi+Lines\, Butcher’s Dog & The North. She is Bristol’s 2021 LYRA Slam Champion and is currently touring a sea-shanty and poetry show on CPR & the drowning girl motif. Avoidantly confronting\, delightfully despicable\, Holly’s poetry welcomes readers into the dark dark forest of tumblr pages for hands and lesbians in the US cabinet. ‘Kinder Parasites’\, published by Broken Sleep Books in Oct 2025\, is her debut pamphlet. \nThe theme for this month’s session is CREATURE. Feeling feral? We want your creepy crawlies\, your beasts\, bugs\, pets\, ghosts\, and gods\, your uncanny bodies and embodied spirits. Bring your most living\, breathing work. \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-37/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260119T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260119T213000
DTSTAMP:20260102T091713Z
CREATED:20260102T091240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260102T091713Z
UID:12645-1768851000-1768858200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- January
DESCRIPTION:Got started with poetry but not sure where to go next?  Need some support and feedback for a specific piece of writing that is bugging you right now? Just looking for a friendly\, low-pressure space to hang out and chat with folks who love words as much as you do? \nWhy not join us at LIT? \nWe are a reading and writing group for cis and trans women\, trans men\, non-binary people\, and people of other minority genders to share their own work and the work of others. We take the broadest\, most inclusive interpretation of what this means- if you feel like you might fit with us\, you probably do! \nWe are a group of writers who host monthly friendly sessions around different themes. We meet in person and online. \nFor more information about us\, you can read our statement of aims and values on our group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/223789834941256 or email francesca_moll@hotmail.co.uk to request to join our WhatsApp group. \nThis is the event for our January online session. There’s no need to book or buy tickets- feel free just to join us on the zoom link here:\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/85006693701?pwd=TzJpeTBRZGdudlBQTlM0OWJQcVZxdz09
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/lit-reading-group-january/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,LGBTQAI+,online,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260110T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260110T170000
DTSTAMP:20251205T151013Z
CREATED:20251114T164715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T151013Z
UID:12230-1768053600-1768064400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Poetry in Science: A workshop
DESCRIPTION:Science and poetry might seem to spin in different spheres. While science aims to build robust models on how nature functions\, poetry deepens meaning through subjective rediscovery of the world around us. So\, what happens when they occupy the same space? \nScience in Poetry is a generative writing workshop run in collaboration with SEISMA magazine. Whether you’re a scientist wanting to dabble with some “unknowing” through poetry\, or a writer looking for new scientific entryways into the poem\, this workshop is for you! \n\n\n\nDuring this one-time session\, we will be looking at poems that use scientific ideas and exposition as our starting points\, followed by prompted exercises and tips on drafting and editing. There will be a dedicated time for writing towards the end of the session\, and opportunities to share your first drafts in a safe and inclusive environment. \nNo fancy lab equipment needed – all necessary materials (e.g.\, handouts\, pen\, and paper) will be provided! \nCome join us on the 10th January (2pm to 5pm) at: \nOxford Poetry Library\nThe Community Works\n21 Park End Street\nOX1 1HH \nWorkshop open to anyone aged 16+ \nAttendance is FREE but capacity is limited to 15 people\, so please register your place here. \nThe Oxford Poetry Library is an accessible space but please do contact us in advance if you have specific requirements. \nFeel free to email any queries to Rency: rencyraquid@seismamagazine.com \nThis event is run in collaboration with Seisma Magazine.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/science-in-poetry-workshop/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SEISMA-WS-IMAGE-RR-13.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260106T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260106T220000
DTSTAMP:20251209T191101Z
CREATED:20251024T165135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T191101Z
UID:12024-1767727800-1767736800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:This Is Just to Say: spoken word open mic
DESCRIPTION: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. \nWe 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! \nAt 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: \n\nPlease 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.\nYou should aim to read something that’s around one page or 2-3 minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nThe theme for this month is THE SURREAL. We are staggering bewildered into the new year in a haze of mulled wine fumes\, feeling a little delirious\, and we want your weirdness. Bring your dreams\, your glitches\, your distortions. Reality is optional. \nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Syd Meats! Starting out as a singer-songwriter and performance poet Syd had songs broadcast on BBC Radio 4\, and was a Hammer & Tongue Regional Poetry Slam finalist in 2019 before he started to type up his work. He has been shortlisted twice for Verve’s Poem of the Month since April 2025\, and Highly Commended in the 2025 Charm Poetry Prize. ‘Often tender\, always quirky\, kind and frequently hilarious. A Syd Meats poem will make the sun come out in your heart.’ –Vanessa Lampert. \nThe session starts at 7.30pm (performers are advised to arrive from 7pm)\, at The Community Works (21 Park End St\, OX1 1HU). \n£5 entry (£2 concessions)\, performers free. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/this-is-just-to-say-spoken-word-open-mic-36/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251025T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251025T153000
DTSTAMP:20250919T143009Z
CREATED:20250314T123100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T143009Z
UID:9687-1761400800-1761406200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:What's that Sound?: An Experimental Workshop on Poetry and Noise
DESCRIPTION:If your poetry was a noise what would it be? On a typical day which noises make themselves known? Are there certain sounds that remind you of home? \nJoin us\, makers Raina\, Holly and Gael for an afternoon workshop at the Oxford Poetry Library on October 25th at 2pm and explore using voice\, body\, and everyday objects to create alive soundscapes to well-loved poems. \nClapping\, humming\, drumming on tables\, violin bows in places they’ve never been before. No musical experience is required! Various noise-making instruments are provided or you’re welcome to bring your own. Through this hour and a half session\, we will lead you through a mix of smaller group exercises aimed to help you experiment with language and poetry. We will look at some of our favourite poetry & music mash ups (Milkweed\, Malaika Kegode and Dizraeli) and use those to guide your work in a fun and dynamic approach. \nExpect a warm and silly space to share guttural calls and whimsical noises. Bring your comfiest self and be ready to make some sounds! \nThis workshop is free but booking ahead is advised here. \nThis workshop is in parallel with the spoken word and sea-shanty show Resusci Anne\, performed and written by Raina Greifer\, Holly Moberley and Gael Showler which will be performed at the Oxford Poetry Library later in the evening. Full information and tickets for that event here. \nOxford Poetry Library’s building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/resusci-anne-workshop/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1000053149.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250811T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250811T203000
DTSTAMP:20250730T204954Z
CREATED:20250730T204954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T204954Z
UID:11278-1754938800-1754944200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Getting Started with Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’ve never written a poem before\, have just started to write\, or aren’t sure if what you’re writing is poetry\, this monthly workshop is a chance to carve out some time for writing. \nIn each workshop\, we’ll read a poem together\, and use it as our starting point. We’ll suggest some prompts you could take from the poem\, and ideas you might like to borrow. There will be plenty of time to write\, and plenty more prompts if you get stuck. At the end of the session\, you’ll be able to share what you’ve written in a supportive environment. \nAll you need to bring is yourself – these workshops are here for you to enjoy writing and build confidence in your voice. The workshop is open to anyone aged 16+. \nTell us you’re coming by booking your free ticket here. \nThe Oxford Poetry Library is an accessible space but please do contact us in advance if you have specific requirements. You can email us about this or with any questions about the workshop at oxfordpoetrylibary@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/getting-started-with-poetry-31/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Event-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250725T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250725T220000
DTSTAMP:20250516T144053Z
CREATED:20250502T142344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T144053Z
UID:10408-1753471800-1753480800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Alan Buckley book launch: "Still"
DESCRIPTION:On 25 July at 7.30pm in The Community Works\, we’ll celebrate the publication of Still\, the second full poetry collection by Alan Buckley. \nStill has its origins in the third lockdown of January 2021\, when Alan began writing short\, tightly structured poems during – and prompted by – his daily walk from East Oxford’s Marsh Park to the Lye Valley nature reserve. The apparently narrow focus of these poems belies their scope and ambition\, as Still repeatedly shows the reader that “nothing is too mundane / to be transformed.” There’ll also be guest readings from OPL regulars Carl Tomlinson and Zoe Olivia Brown\, and the evening will be hosted by Sophia Blackwell\, who played a big part in Oxford’s spoken word scene back in the noughties. \nTickets are £5 each (£2 concessions) – book here to avoid disappointment! The building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand. Doors will open at 7.00pm. \nStill has already been gathering praise ahead of its publication in July by Blue Diode Press\, an independent poetry publisher based in Edinburgh: \n  \nStill asks the reader to notice the ordinary moments that often contain profound connection – human to human\, human to the natural world\, and that human observing the natural world interacting with itself… I found myself reaching for these poems again and again as a reminder of how to see magic in the ordinary world that I might “otherwise have missed\,” and how often it’s those small encounters that save us “when nothing else / will.” \n– Marjorie Lotfi \n  \nAlan Buckley is one of those secret gems of UK poetry whose work can’t help but grow and grow in stature. His latest book is a truly virtuoso performance – an entire collection written in an entirely new form. These ‘douzaines’ are crammed with incident and insight. They are vital\, enthralling waymarkers on a path we can’t help but follow\, through landscape\, through time\, towards ourselves.  \n– John Glenday \n  \nA little more about the readers: \nSophia Blackwell is the author of five books of poetry\, fiction and non-fiction\, including The Fire-Eater’s Lover and The Other Woman\, which was longlisted for the Polari Prize\, from Burning Eye Books. Her most recent book\, The Poetry Writers’ Handbook\, was published by Bloomsbury in 2022. \nCarl Tomlinson lives on a smallholding in Oxfordshire. His poems have appeared in Orbis\, South\, Spelt\, The High Window\, The Alchemy Spoon and several anthologies. His debut pamphlet\, Changing Places was published in 2021 by Fair Acre Press. \nZoe Olivia Brown is a poet and biologist from The Bahamas\, currently based in Oxford as she pursues her PhD. She writes poetry rooted in her personal experiences\, exploring themes of identity\, place\, human connection\, and the heart. \nAlan Buckley is the author of two pamphlets (Shiver and The Long Haul)\, and the full collections Touched (HappenStance 2020)\, and Still (Blue Diode Press 2025). His poems have been highly commended in the Forward and Bridport prizes. He was a founding editor of the award-winning pamphlet publisher ignitionpress\, and has taught creative writing to young people with both First Story and Arvon. He lives in Oxford\, where he also works as a psychotherapist.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/alan-buckley-book-launch/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/STILL-cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250708T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250708T203000
DTSTAMP:20250627T170128Z
CREATED:20250516T112235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T170128Z
UID:10548-1751999400-1752006600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Drafting Table zine launch
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an extraordinary evening of poetry celebrating the launch of the second issue of Drafting Table’s zine! \nAfter the success of our first zine\, published last summer\, we at Drafting Table are delighted to bring you Kill Your Darlings Volume II. We will mark this special moment with a unique evening of poetry featuring an exquisite lineup of writers whose poems appear in the zine. \nAll are very welcome! Tickets are £10 on the door and include a copy of the zine. \nThe event will take place at The Community Works on Tuesday July 8th at 6.30pm. \nThe Oxford Poetry Library is an accessible space but please do contact us in advance if you have specific requirements. You can email us about this or with any questions at oxfordpoetrylibary@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-zine-launch-2/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WhatsApp-Image-2025-06-27-at-17.45.27.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250515T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T213000
DTSTAMP:20250411T105317Z
CREATED:20250221T125427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T105317Z
UID:9499-1747337400-1747344600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Voices of Resistance
DESCRIPTION:On 15 May at 7.30pm in The Community Works\, join us for Voices of Resistance: an evening of powerful\, thought-provoking poetry that speaks to histories of migration\, conflict\, class\, exile\, and survival. Voices of Resistance brings together four poets\, Adnan Al-Sayegh\, Jenny Lewis\, Anna Robinson\, and Jude Rosen\, whose work confronts the politics of place\, memory\, and language. \nTickets are £5 (£2 conc) are available to register in advance here. \nJude Rosen is a second generation Jewish immigrant from the East End who grew up in Walthamstow. She is a former historian\, politics lecturer\, urban researcher/explorer and translator\, who now works with migrants and refugees. As a poet\, she explores the relationship of language to place\, drawing on archival and oral histories\, local ecology and etymology discovered through walking. Her pamphlet A Small Gateway was published by Hearing Eye (2009). Reclamations from London’s Edgelands\, (Paekakariki\, 2024) grew out of artistic resistance to the Olympic redevelopment in the Lea Valley. Some poems in that collection were published in The Art of Dissent\, (Marshgate Press\, 2012) South Bank Poetry London Anthology (2017)\, Long Poem Magazine and Envoi and were performed on poem and living history walks 2015-19\, (poemwalks.wordpress.com). A graduate of the Poetry School’s M.A.in Writing Poetry (Newcastle University\, 2022)\,  she is currently revising a long poem of refugee journeys and sequence of poems on Gaza. \nAnna Robinson is a poet and essayist from London. She writes on class and place. Her current collection Whatsname Street was published by Smokestack Books in 2021. Ian Macmillan described it as ‘superb!’ Her three previous books are The Night Library (2015) Into the Woods (2014)\, and The Finders of London (2011). \nAdnan al-Sayegh was born in Iraq in 1955 and he has published thirteen collections of poetry\, including the 550-page Uruk’s Anthem (1996)\, the 1380-page The Dice Of The Text (2022) and very short poems (2024). He left his homeland in 1993\, lived in Amman\, and Beirut then in 1996 took refuge in Sweden. Since 2004 he has been living in exile in London. His poems have been researched by PhD(10) and Masters(31) students. He has received several international awards; among them\, the Hellman-Hammet International Poetry Award (New York 1996)\, the Rotterdam International Poetry Award (1997) and the Swedish Writers Association Award (2005)\, and has been invited to read his poems in many festivals across the world. His poetry had been translated into many languages. Adnan has worked with Jenny Lewis for 15 years\, and they have published books\, plays and poetry readings in Britain and abroad. \nJenny Lewis’s recent work includes From Base Materials (Carcanet\, 2024) and Let me tell you what I saw (Seren\, 2020) a translation with others of extracts from the Iraqi poet Adnan Al-Sayegh’s epic anti-war poem\, Uruk’s Anthem. Since 2012 she has been working with Al-Sayegh on an award-winning\, Arts Council funded project\, ‘Writing Mesopotamia’\, aimed at fostering relationships and better understanding between Arabic and English-speaking communities. \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/voices-of-resistance/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Voices-of-Resistance.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250322T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250322T220000
DTSTAMP:20250214T122232Z
CREATED:20241206T123150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T122232Z
UID:8562-1742671800-1742680800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Introduction to Cloud Care: A book launch with Laura Theis
DESCRIPTION:On 22 March at 7.30pm in The Community Works\, we’ll celebrate the publication of Introduction To Cloud Care\, the latest poetry collection by Laura Theis. \nExpect an evening of poetic transformations\, learning some pointers on how to date a were-hare\, how a lazy clairvoyant predicts her own future with her phone’s auto-correct\, or the shocking truth about why German fairy tales never end in a Happily Ever After…with gorgeous guest readings by Phoebe Nicholson\, Holly Moberley and one or two surprises… \nTickets are £5 each (£2 concessions) – book here to avoid disappointment! The building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand. \nPublished by the award-winning indie press Broken Sleep Books\, Introduction To Cloud Care has already garnered plenty of praise and excitement in advance of its February release: \n  \n“‘Introduction to Cloud Care’ struck me with its tenderness and warmth: reading it felt like a springtime walk or seeing your kindest friend at a party. Through a range of encounters and transformations – with an unborn daughter\, a dandelion-therapist\, the haunting characters of Hansel and Gretel – beauty ‘is never a question’. Simultaneously\, these poems are not naive\, bearing witness to trees awaiting ‘their respective beheadings’\, and deeply in touch with their instincts\, ready to ‘run / as soon as running’s required.’ Read it in a meadow\, under an oak tree\, or hidden in the shed at a house party.” \n– Bryony Littlefair \n  \n“In Laura Theis’ third collection\, published by the inimitable Broken Sleep Books\, clouds wait to be asked the right question\, muntjac apparitions emerge out of nowhere\, daffodils bloom from under sofas and a non-existent child chides her mother for lack of empathy. Surreal\, blissful and mesmerising\, with each poem effortlessly revealing fresh amazements of the kind we experienced as children turning the pages of our first stories\, ‘Introduction to Cloud Care’ already has the hallmark of a classic – coming as it does from a mind infused by fairy tales and ‘dark forests/ grimm siblings’. I loved spending time in Laura’s magical world and plan to revisit often.” \n– Jenny Lewis \n  \n“Inside the light and air of Laura Theis’s poems\, you will find beautiful and sensitive stories of our connection to the natural world and wry observations of desire and the human search for intimacy. This is touching\, funny\, truly gorgeous writing.” \n– Vanessa Lampert \n  \nA little more about the readers: \nPhoebe Nicholson is a British-American poet and lexicographer. Her work has appeared in various places online and in magazines\, but you’re better off catching her around the Oxford open mic scene. You can also find more of her work in a chapbook called Red Devon Mud which contains poems about roots\, family\, and creeping things\, illustrated by her sibling. It can be found here: https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/shop/ She also founded and directs the Oxford Poetry Library\, a grassroots\, volunteer-run library of poetry and hub for creative writing and spoken word based in central Oxford. Find her on instagram: @phoebn \nHolly Moberley (she/her) is a queer poet and poison berry from the South East. She is a Poetry Society Young Critic and has been published in fourteen poems\, Bi+Lines\, Butcher’s Dog & The North. She is Bristol’s 2021 LYRA Slam Champion. Her debut manuscript ‘Kinder Parasites‘ was shortlisted by the Emma Press (2023) and the New Poets Prize (2022.) \nLaura Theis’ exophonic work appears in Poetry\, Oxford Poetry\, Cambridge Poetry\, iamb\, Mslexia\, Rattle\, Magma\, etc. Her Elgin-Award-nominated debut\, an Oxford Poetry Library Book-of-the-Month\, won the Brian Dempsey Memorial Prize. Her second book\, A Spotter’s Guide To Invisible Things\, won the Live Canon Collection Prize and the Arthur Welton Award from the Society of Authors. Other accolades include the Alpine Fellowship Award\, Oxford Brookes Poetry Prize\, AM Heath Prize\, Mogford Prize\, Hammond House Literary Award\, and a Forward Prize nomination. \n  \nThis event is part of Makespace Oxford‘s series of events in celebration of International Women’s Day held throughout Women’s History Month\, designed to celebrate\, platform\, and showcase women’s voices. Find out more here. \n 
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/introduction-to-cloud-care-a-book-launch-with-laura-theis/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Reading / Launch
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T160000
DTSTAMP:20250207T114502Z
CREATED:20241206T120950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T114502Z
UID:8557-1740232800-1740240000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Cringe Clinic: A workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join poet and performer Michaela Brady for this exclusive one-off workshop on Saturday 22 February\, from 2pm-4pm at The Community Works! \nWelcome to the Cringe Clinic. You are invited to a journey to your poetic past. Scour your earliest notebook\, Notes App entries or other scribblings and find a poem that\, upon reflection\, deserves redemption. At the Cringe Clinic\, you’ll learn editing techniques to give your poem a little polish\, while preserving your authentic voice from years ago. Ideally\, you will leave with a poem you would like to continue revising\, or even submit for publication. If nothing else\, this workshop will allow you to reconnect and make peace with the poet you were\, and give your work a second chance to shine. \nThis session is suitable for all writers aged 18+ and all materials will be provided – just bring your cringiest poems\, and an open mind! \nRegistration is required and tickets are in a tiered system\, based on what you can afford: £5 for general admission\, £2 concession\, or £10 for those able to give a bit more. The ticket cost shouldn’t be prohibitive to you attending\, so if you are unable to pay\, please email us at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please register your spot here! \nThe Oxford Poetry Library is an accessible space but please do contact us in advance if you have specific requirements. You can email us about this or with any questions about the workshop at oxfordpoetrylibary@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/cringe-clinic-a-workshop/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250119T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250119T150000
DTSTAMP:20241213T164534Z
CREATED:20241122T163200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T164534Z
UID:8364-1737288000-1737298800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Family Sunday and Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the 3rd Sunday of every month\, where The Community Works will be open for Family Sunday! The library will be open for browsing\, borrowing\, or just hanging out to read\, write\, and relax. Lula’s Ethiopian Cuisine will be open for an affordable all-you-can-eat buffet\, and we will provide a safe\, inclusive space for food\, fun\, and play. \nAll are welcome to The Community Works between 12pm and 3pm to drop in for free – we’ll have books for young and old\, poetry games and activities\, and as always\, our friendly and welcoming librarian volunteers. \nTo celebrate the first of these Sunday openings on 19 January\, storyteller and children’s book writer Ed Boxall will be joining us from 1pm for a performance of the heartwarming English folktale\, “The Warm Glow”\, along with a cosy selection of his songs and poems. All welcome\, no need to book\, and the session is completely free…but there’s a £10 optional donation which includes a signed book from Ed! \n \n 
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-community-works-community-day/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Family Friendly
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Warm-Glow-Promo-SQUARE.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241012T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241012T150000
DTSTAMP:20240913T145236Z
CREATED:20240913T102229Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240913T145236Z
UID:7720-1728734400-1728745200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Many Voices Collection: books and storytelling at the library!
DESCRIPTION:October is Black History Month and to celebrate\, the Many Voices Collection will be popping up at the library during our opening hours! \nThe Many Voices Collection is a collection curated by Oxford Poetry Library and The Children’s Allotment of childrens books featuring black characters\, written by black writers\, or which centre an anti-racist message. These books form part of the Oxford Poetry Library’s lending collection\, free to be borrowed and enjoyed for free by kids and adults alike. \nThe full Many Voices Collection will be available for visitors to browse\, read\, borrow\, and enjoy during our opening hours of 12pm-3pm at The Community Works on both Friday 11 October and Saturday 12 October. The pop-up is completely free\, drop in whenever you like and stay for as long as you like between 12pm and 3pm – suitable for kids of all ages! \nAs well as our books\, and made possible by the Transition Network and CAG Oxfordshire\, we have created a selection of videos of local black storytellers reading their favourite stories from the collection. From 12pm-3pm\, we will screen these videos in a cosy storytelling space! Kids and their grown-ups are invited to join Aunty Kiko as she shares Baby Elephant’s Safari by Aunty Kiko and illustrated by Moses Wanjuki\, Rawz in a story of magic\, music\, and monsters\, as he reads Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger\, illustrated by Michael Hays\, and Tiece who shares a favourite story from her childhood\, Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman\, illustrated by Caroline Binch. \n  \nThis event is happening in partnership with Makespace Oxford’s Black History Month programming.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/many-voices-collection-books-and-storytelling-at-the-library-2/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,Daytime,Family Friendly
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mvclogo.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241011T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241011T150000
DTSTAMP:20240913T145337Z
CREATED:20240913T102040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240913T145337Z
UID:7714-1728648000-1728658800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Many Voices Collection: books and storytelling at the library!
DESCRIPTION:October is Black History Month and to celebrate\, the Many Voices Collection will be popping up at the library during our opening hours! \nThe Many Voices Collection is a collection curated by Oxford Poetry Library and The Children’s Allotment of childrens books featuring black characters\, written by black writers\, or which centre an anti-racist message. These books form part of the Oxford Poetry Library’s lending collection\, free to be borrowed and enjoyed for free by kids and adults alike. \nThe full Many Voices Collection will be available for visitors to browse\, read\, borrow\, and enjoy during our opening hours of 12pm-3pm at The Community Works on both Friday 11 October and Saturday 12 October. The pop-up is completely free\, drop in whenever you like and stay for as long as you like between 12pm and 3pm – suitable for kids of all ages! \nAs well as our books\, and made possible by the Transition Network and CAG Oxfordshire\, we have created a selection of videos of local black storytellers reading their favourite stories from the collection. From 12pm-3pm\, we will screen these videos in a cosy storytelling space! Kids and their grown-ups are invited to join Aunty Kiko as she shares Baby Elephant’s Safari by Aunty Kiko and illustrated by Moses Wanjuki\, Rawz in a story of magic\, music\, and monsters\, as he reads Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger\, illustrated by Michael Hays\, and Tiece who shares a favourite story from her childhood\, Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman\, illustrated by Caroline Binch. \nThis event is happening in partnership with Makespace Oxford’s Black History Month programming. \n \n 
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/many-voices-collection-books-and-storytelling-at-the-library/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,Daytime,Family Friendly
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/mvclogo.png
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240714T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240714T123000
DTSTAMP:20240419T152457Z
CREATED:20240209T141735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240419T152457Z
UID:5553-1720954800-1720960200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Postbox Poetry
DESCRIPTION:In a world of flooding inboxes\, instant messages and video calls\, nothing compares to the feeling of writing a letter. Unlike the immediacy of emails or calls\, with letters\, one reflects on what they want to say to someone and takes the time to share their thoughts and experiences with them. \n  \nFrom March to August 2024\, the Oxford Poetry Library is running the Letterbox Poetry workshop series on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 11 to 12.30 PM UK time (3.30 to 5 PM India time). \n  \nThe workshop will explore the process of writing letters as a way to create poems. It will encourage participants to write about places\, people\, ideas and objects using letters as a medium of expression. The workshop is for readers of poetry\, people who share a love for letters\, beginners and experienced writers and anyone else in between or beyond. \n  \nDuring the workshop\, participants will find how they can use the letter writing process to build their own narratives and understand themselves and those around them a little better. They will work on writing prompts\, read famous epistolary poems and excerpts from epistolary novels and have the option to be paired with another participant to have a mini letter-writing exchange through the course of the workshop! \nFor those interested in presenting their poems to a wider audience can take part in the Workshop Showcase in which a few handpicked poems will be spotlighted on the Oxford Poetry Library’s social media pages. \nThe sessions are suitable for anyone over the age of 16. While each session will cover different writing themes and activities\, one could enrol for all six sessions or any session or sessions they prefer. Each session is priced at £5\, and participants also have the option to opt from a sliding ticket price range of £2-£10 based on their means. \n  \nPlease email us at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com if you have any questions about the workshop series. \n  \nAbout the facilitator: Prarthana Banikya is a poet and editor with over 12 years of experience in the learning design industry. Her writings\, photographs and other work have appeared in Scroll\, Homegrown\, Mid-Day\, Architectural Digest\, Asia Writes\, Feminism India\, Namnai and Stories of the Nature of Cities\, among others. She is the recipient of the 2018 Orange Flower Award for poetry and the founder and editor of The Little Journal of Northeast India. She has most recently conducted the Stillness in Words poetry workshop for the Oxford Poetry Library.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/postbox-poetry-5/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,Community Event,Daytime,online,Workshop
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