BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Oxford Poetry Library - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Oxford Poetry Library
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oxford Poetry Library
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250308T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250308T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241115T162652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T073833Z
UID:8228-1741442400-1741449600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Shape of Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Note that these sessions will take place online – links to the Zoom sessions will be circulated to those who have registered in advance of these events.  \nMany of us feel intimidated by formal poetry: Some of us consider it too restrictive and governed by rules\, while others write exclusively in form. This workshop is an invitation to all writers of poetry\, whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years\, to explore the creative potential of poetic forms. \nOur monthly sessions happen on the second Saturday of the month from 2pm til 4pm. During each of our workshops\, we will look at the conventions of a particular form such as the sonnet\, ghazal\, or haiku\, read example poems\, and write our own versions. This workshop will be a collaborative space for us to explore how experimenting with limitations or restrictions in our writing can give us whole new ways of expressing ourselves\, and open unexpected doors! 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+. \nTickets are priced at £5 for general admission (£10 for those able to donate a bit more\, £2 for those on lower income) and registration is required. If this cost would be prohibitive to your attending\, please email us at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com and we can allocate you one of our limited free spots in the workshop.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-shape-of-poetry-3/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IN-PERSON-Shape-of-Poetry-flyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250310T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250310T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20240407T155342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T132257Z
UID:6157-1741633200-1741638600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Getting Started With Poetry (International Women's Day edition)
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. \n\nTo mark International Women’s Day\, the poem for this session will be “Love Letters to the Fixers” and the discussion will revolve around labels\, roles and celebration. The session is\, as always\, open to everyone. We are delighted to be 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. You can find out more about their other events here. \n\nAs usual\, there will be plenty of time to write\, and more prompts if you get stuck. At the end of the session\, you’ll be able to share what you’ve written\, if you’d like to\, 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 \n 
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/getting-started-with-poetry-26/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Event-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250314T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250314T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250108T110249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T121749Z
UID:8948-1741959000-1741966200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Write Space
DESCRIPTION:What is it?\nFrom 2025\, Friday opening hours at the Library are making way for Write Space\, a new pop-up place for you to work on your creative writing projects in the company of other local writers. For two hours every other Friday\, come and write with us in a friendly low-key environment. \nWhen is it?\n1.30-3.30pm Every other Friday\, January-March 2025 (and hopefully beyond!) \nWhere is it?\nThe event space at the Community Works\, Park End Street. \nWho is it for?\nWriting can be a lonely business and sometimes it can be hard to protect time for yourself to write when life weighs in. Write Space is for anyone writing creatively (poetry\, fiction\, drama\, creative non-fiction…) who would value this space. Write Space is facilitated by OPL volunteers. \nHow do I take part?\nSave your spot by registering via the link below.\n(We’re asking everyone to pre-book during our pilot phase so we can plan well and make sure there’s plenty of space for all.) \nDo I have to come for the whole time?\nWe’ll start with a gentle writer’s warm-up then we’ll work in peace on our projects. We’ll take a short break before a second block of writing. If you arrive between those times\, you’re welcome to settle in quietly – we’ll look forward to chatting to you in the break! \nWhat should I bring?\nBring what you’re working on and what you like to write on/ with. Bring your own drink or buy one at Lula’s.  \nCan I bring my kids/ pets/ friends?\nGreat question! We are exploring setting up a Write Space special edition with space for babies but for now it’s for (human) adults. Friends are welcome – make sure they book themselves a spot!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/write-space-5/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Write-Space-final-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250315T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250120T113105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T151336Z
UID:9108-1742047200-1742054400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Reading Circle
DESCRIPTION:People who never read poetry don’t write poems that are worth reading – Wendy Cope \n  \nIf you’re keen to find a way in to reading and appreciating poetry\, discover new writing\, and open your mind to the world of poetry\, welcome to The Reading Circle. Come to OPL’s poetry reading group where we’ll share and discuss poems written in the 20th and 21st centuries in a relaxed and inclusive peer-led environment. \n  \nQuestions we’ll be asking include: \nWhat makes a poem ‘work’?  \nWhy do we like a poem? Why don’t we?  \nIs there such a thing as a fashionable poem? Does it matter?  \nCan we love a poem we don’t fully understand? What makes mystery different to obscurity?  \nWhat might we learn from other poets that can help us enrich our own craft? \n  \nThe Reading Circle meets on the third Saturday of each month\, 2-4 pm in The Community Works. \nWe suggest a donation to attend each session: £5 for general admission (£10 for those able to donate a bit more) and registration is required here. Donations are optional and shouldn’t be prohibitive to you attending\, but all proceeds go to the running costs of the Oxford Poetry Library and our ability to continue providing these sorts of sessions. \nThis month’s group will be facilitated by the established writers (and prolific readers) Vanessa Lampert and Carl Tomlinson. \n  \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/the-reading-circle-12/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Reading-Circle.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250316T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250316T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241213T164823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T152518Z
UID:8685-1742126400-1742137200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Family Sunday
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 food\, 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. \nWe will also be welcoming Chris Wardle to share some laugh-out-loud\, family-friendly poetry and storytelling as part of the proceedings! \nTickle your funny bone and laugh together on this Family Sunday\, with storytelling in the nonsense tradition of narrative rhyming verse. Join Oxford Poetry Library volunteer\, Chris Wardle\, for a very interactive\, family-friendly session\, as he uncovers dark\, comedic\, poetic secrets\, such as:\n\nWhy Australian men are fond of their beards (and fearful of barbershops)\nThe feckless kindness of a breath-catching moment\, before feasting on fat\, feetless oysters\nThe rediscovering of some of the animals Noah forgot
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/family-sunday-2/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Family-Sunday-poster.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250317T073000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250317T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250102T154954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T161059Z
UID:8870-1742196600-1742247000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- March Session
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 March 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-march-session/
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,LGBTQAI+,online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250322T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250322T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LT-ItCC-Cover-v2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250328T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250328T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241115T165858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T165858Z
UID:8267-1743161400-1743166800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Hip Crowd open mic
DESCRIPTION:Hey! The rumours are true. It’s… \nThe Hip Crowd Open Mic! \n\nOxford Poetry Library and Makespace Oxford bring you an open mic event especially for folks with babes-in-arms\, but also open to all and everyone. \nIf you’re feeling like daytime is the right time for you to entertain or be entertained\, join us at The Community Works on the last Friday of every month. The action begins at 11.30am\, but performers please do arrive from 11am to sign up for your turn on the stage. \nWe welcome poetry\, music\, storytelling\, comedy and whatever else you think might dazzle in a 5-minute slot \nThe entire event will be baby friendly and baby welcoming\, with lots of floor space at the front\, changing facilities\, buggy parking area outside\, and clear walkways to exit the performance area easily if needed.  There will also be that most beautiful and warmly appreciated of gifts: free tea and coffee provided. \nThe event is non-ticketed\, but costs £5 to spectate (£2 for concessions) and is totally free to performers. \nBe there or be square.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-hip-crowd-open-mic-7/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-03-02-at-16.47.19.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250328T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250328T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250108T110253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T110421Z
UID:8949-1743168600-1743175800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Write Space
DESCRIPTION:What is it?\nFrom 2025\, Friday opening hours at the Library are making way for Write Space\, a new pop-up place for you to work on your creative writing projects in the company of other local writers. For two hours every other Friday\, come and write with us in a friendly low-key environment. \nWhen is it?\n1.30-3.30pm Every other Friday\, January-March 2025 (and hopefully beyond!) \nWhere is it?\nThe event space at the Community Works\, Park End Street. \nWho is it for?\nWriting can be a lonely business and sometimes it can be hard to protect time for yourself to write when life weighs in. Write Space is for anyone writing creatively (poetry\, fiction\, drama\, creative non-fiction…) who would value this space. Write Space is facilitated by OPL volunteers. \nHow do I take part?\nSave your spot by registering via the link below.\n(We’re asking everyone to pre-book during our pilot phase so we can plan well and make sure there’s plenty of space for all.) \nDo I have to come for the whole time?\nWe’ll start with a gentle writer’s warm-up then we’ll work in peace on our projects. We’ll take a short break before a second block of writing. If you arrive between those times\, you’re welcome to settle in quietly – we’ll look forward to chatting to you in the break! \nWhat should I bring?\nBring what you’re working on and what you like to write on/ with. Bring your own drink or buy one at Lula’s.  \nCan I bring my kids/ pets/ friends?\nGreat question! We are exploring setting up a Write Space special edition with space for babies but for now it’s for (human) adults. Friends are welcome – make sure they book themselves a spot!
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/write-space-6/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screengrab-Write-Space-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250330T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250330T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250314T113704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T113704Z
UID:9681-1743339600-1743346800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Drafting Table - Featured Poet Session
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Drafting Table\, where we share our emerging poems with each other and provide feedback in a safe and inclusive environment. \nMaybe you have been attending the Getting Started sessions and feel ready to edit your work and develop your ideas. Maybe you’re an experienced but unpublished poet who wants to take those next steps in your poetry career. Just bring a willingness to receive and provide feedback with the whole group! \nOnce a month\, we invite a published poet to join us. There will be a short reading of their poems followed by a workshop where attendees can learn more about the creative process\, get an insight into what it means to be a poet\, and share our work with them. \nThis month’s featured poet is Kat Dixon. Kat (she/her) is a queer writer living in London\, UK. She writes about relationships\, social justice and queer identity. Her poetry has appeared in various places\, including fourteen poems\, Magma\, The Rialto\, Queerlings and Butcher’s Dog. She has recently taught with The Poetry School and Aldeburgh Poetry Festival. Her debut book eat the glitter is published with Broken Sleep Books. \nPraise for eat the glitter \n“Modern\, stylish and filthy – I loved it.” \n— Clare Pollard \nIG: @dixon_kat         @dixonkat.bsky.social \nFeel free to email any queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-featured-poet-session/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/drafting-table-header-image.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250401T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250401T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241115T164713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T150802Z
UID:8239-1743535800-1743544800@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 two minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nThe theme for this month is GROWING! Just in time for spring\, we’re thinking about growth\, in all its messy\, beautiful\, painful\, and powerful glory. It’s the first sprout through cracked pavement\, the daffodils at last doing their thing\, the lessons learned through struggle\, the transformations that shape us – whatever you’ve got to say on the subject\, we want to hear it! \nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Daisy M Stone! Daisy is an Oxfordshire born and bred actor\, writer\, poet and comedian. As well as regularly telling stories at The Story Museum\, facilitating workshops for local youth theatre groups\, and acting in plays from Shakespeare to children’s shows\, Daisy performs improvised comedy with The Oxford Imps and Awkward Actors. Last year\, Daisy’s first absurdist comedy sketch aired on local BBC Radio stations and she performed sections of her current show at Nozstock the Hidden Valley Festival in Herefordshire\, where she was introduced as one of the “finest wordsmiths in the UK”. This 29th\, 30th and 31st May\, Daisy will be performing her first one-woman sketch show ‘Daisy M Stone: Well\, this is sketchy’\, at Brighton Fringe Festival\, which promises to be a cocktail of comedy\, so if you’re available do grab a ticket! \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-27/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250405T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250405T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20240625T122518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250214T121708Z
UID:6973-1743858000-1743865200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Drafting Table Workshop Session
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to our poetry drafting group\, where we share our emerging poems with each other and provide feedback in a safe and inclusive environment. \nMaybe you have been attending the Getting Started sessions and feel ready to edit your work and develop your ideas. Maybe you’re an experienced but unpublished poet who wants to take those next steps in your poetry career. If you feel you’d like to join us\, please bring along at least one unfinished\, unpublished work-in-progress that you’re willing to share with the whole group. We are normally able to hear and give feedback to around 6 or 7 poets per session. \nRegular attendance is encouraged\, to help us build a trusting and collaborative community. \nFeel free to email queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com \nWe meet: \n1-3pm \nFirst Saturday of every month at The Community Works\n \n21 Park End Street OX1 1HH
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-workshop-session-25/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/drafting-table-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250411T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250411T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250324T171009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T171009Z
UID:9815-1744378200-1744385400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Write Space
DESCRIPTION:What is it?\nWrite Space is a pop-up space for you to work on your creative writing projects in the company of other local writers. Come and write with us in a friendly low-key environment. \nWhen is it?\n1.30-3.30pm fortnightly on Fridays \nWhere is it?\nThe Event Space at the Community Works\, Park End Street (access through Lula’s). \nWho is it for?\nWriting can be a lonely business and sometimes it can be hard to protect time for yourself to write when life weighs in. Write Space is for anyone writing creatively (poetry\, fiction\, drama\, creative non-fiction…) who values this space. Write Space is facilitated by OPL volunteers. \nHow do I take part?\nBook your spot in advance via the Eventbrite link below – any donation is welcome from 1p to £££s to support the work of Oxford Poetry Library. \nDo I have to come for the whole time?\nIt’s up to you! There is a writing prompt available at the start for those who wish\, or you can settle straight into your own project. We take a short break half -way to chat about what you’re working on\, discuss an aspect of writing life or just stretch your legs and grab a drink. \nWhat should I bring?\nBring what you’re working on and what you like to write on/ with. Bring your own drink or buy one at Lula’s.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/write-space-7/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Write-Space-final-image-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250412T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250412T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241209T144125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250130T073915Z
UID:8602-1744466400-1744473600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Shape of Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Note that these sessions will take place online – links to the Zoom sessions will be circulated to those who have registered in advance of these events.  \nMany of us feel intimidated by formal poetry: Some of us consider it too restrictive and governed by rules\, while others write exclusively in form. This workshop is an invitation to all writers of poetry\, whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years\, to explore the creative potential of poetic forms. \nOur monthly sessions happen on the second Saturday of the month from 2pm til 4pm. During each of our workshops\, we will look at the conventions of a particular form such as the sonnet\, ghazal\, or haiku\, read example poems\, and write our own versions. This workshop will be a collaborative space for us to explore how experimenting with limitations or restrictions in our writing can give us whole new ways of expressing ourselves\, and open unexpected doors! 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+. \nTickets are priced at £5 for general admission (£10 for those able to donate a bit more\, £2 for those on lower income) and registration is required. If this cost would be prohibitive to your attending\, please email us at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com and we can allocate you one of our limited free spots in the workshop.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-shape-of-poetry/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IN-PERSON-Shape-of-Poetry-flyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250414T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250414T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250212T151615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T151615Z
UID:9380-1744657200-1744662600@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-27/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Event-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250425T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250425T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241115T170022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T170022Z
UID:8270-1745580600-1745586000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Hip Crowd open mic
DESCRIPTION:Hey! The rumours are true. It’s… \nThe Hip Crowd Open Mic! \n\nOxford Poetry Library and Makespace Oxford bring you an open mic event especially for folks with babes-in-arms\, but also open to all and everyone. \nIf you’re feeling like daytime is the right time for you to entertain or be entertained\, join us at The Community Works on the last Friday of every month. The action begins at 11.30am\, but performers please do arrive from 11am to sign up for your turn on the stage. \nWe welcome poetry\, music\, storytelling\, comedy and whatever else you think might dazzle in a 5-minute slot \nThe entire event will be baby friendly and baby welcoming\, with lots of floor space at the front\, changing facilities\, buggy parking area outside\, and clear walkways to exit the performance area easily if needed.  There will also be that most beautiful and warmly appreciated of gifts: free tea and coffee provided. \nThe event is non-ticketed\, but costs £5 to spectate (£2 for concessions) and is totally free to performers. \nBe there or be square.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-hip-crowd-open-mic-8/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-03-02-at-16.47.19.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250425T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250425T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250324T171050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T171050Z
UID:9819-1745587800-1745595000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Write Space
DESCRIPTION:What is it?\nWrite Space is a pop-up space for you to work on your creative writing projects in the company of other local writers. Come and write with us in a friendly low-key environment. \nWhen is it?\n1.30-3.30pm fortnightly on Fridays \nWhere is it?\nThe Event Space at the Community Works\, Park End Street (access through Lula’s). \nWho is it for?\nWriting can be a lonely business and sometimes it can be hard to protect time for yourself to write when life weighs in. Write Space is for anyone writing creatively (poetry\, fiction\, drama\, creative non-fiction…) who values this space. Write Space is facilitated by OPL volunteers. \nHow do I take part?\nBook your spot in advance via the Eventbrite link below – any donation is welcome from 1p to £££s to support the work of Oxford Poetry Library. \nDo I have to come for the whole time?\nIt’s up to you! There is a writing prompt available at the start for those who wish\, or you can settle straight into your own project. We take a short break half -way to chat about what you’re working on\, discuss an aspect of writing life or just stretch your legs and grab a drink. \nWhat should I bring?\nBring what you’re working on and what you like to write on/ with. Bring your own drink or buy one at Lula’s.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/write-space-8/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Write-Space-final-image-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250427T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250427T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250320T122301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T104113Z
UID:9762-1745758800-1745766000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Drafting Table - Featured Poet Session
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Drafting Table\, where we share our emerging poems with each other and provide feedback in a safe and inclusive environment. \nMaybe you have been attending the Getting Started sessions and feel ready to edit your work and develop your ideas. Maybe you’re an experienced but unpublished poet who wants to take those next steps in your poetry career. Just bring a willingness to receive and provide feedback with the whole group! \nOnce a month\, we invite a published poet to join us. There will be a short reading of their poems followed by a workshop where attendees can learn more about the creative process\, get an insight into what it means to be a poet\, and share our work with them. \nThis month’s featured poet is Samantha Mineroff. A linguistics scholar and mental health advocate\, Samantha Mineroff has been writing creatively since she first held a pencil. Her novella was nationally recognized by Scholastic during the 2013 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. She became a passionate academic\, winning the 2018 Best Seminar Paper Award for her paper “The Rhetoric of Major Depressive Disorder: Performativity and Intra-activity of Emotions in Major Depression.” She was a recipient of the Viola Marple Scholarship and the Poetry Award\, and co authored the paper\, “Interpersonal touch and the achievement of shared understanding in English conversation\,” which was presented at The Language and Social Interaction Working Group conference at Teachers College\, Columbia. \nAfter graduating from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with an English degree and dual minors in creative writing and linguistics\, her professional writing grew\, and was featured on numerous mental health platforms\, including MedCentral. In 2019\, she presented her research on negative accommodation theory at the University of Liverpool during the Poetics and Linguistics Association conference. At just 23 twenty-three years old\, she was one of the youngest to present. \nWhen she isn’t writing or researching\, you’ll find her listening to live music\, singing and strumming a guitar\, strolling through parks\, and traveling the globe. \nFeel free to email any queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-featured-poet-session-2/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/drafting-table-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250428T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250428T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250102T155128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T160948Z
UID:8873-1745868600-1745875800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group -April Session
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 April 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-april-session/
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,LGBTQAI+,online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250503T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250503T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20240625T122608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240625T122608Z
UID:6976-1746277200-1746284400@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Drafting Table Workshop Session
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to our poetry drafting group\, where we share our emerging poems with each other and provide feedback in a safe and inclusive environment. \nMaybe you have been attending the Getting Started sessions and feel ready to edit your work and develop your ideas. Maybe you’re an experienced but unpublished poet who wants to take those next steps in your poetry career. If you feel you’d like to join us\, please bring along at least one unfinished\, unpublished work-in-progress that you’re willing to share with the whole group. We are normally able to hear and give feedback to around 6 or 7 poets per session. \nRegular attendance is encouraged\, to help us build a trusting and collaborative community. \nFeel free to email queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com \nWe meet: \n1-3pm \nFirst Saturday of every month at The Community Works\n \n21 Park End Street OX1 1HH
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-workshop-session-26/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/drafting-table-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250506T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250506T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241115T164802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250418T153606Z
UID:8242-1746559800-1746568800@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 two minutes – this ensures that everyone has enough time to read.\n\nWe have a very special edition of This Is Just To Say this month: welcome to COVERS NIGHT! For just this month\, we’re asking you to bring the work of other people to share. It can be a well-known writer\, someone you admire\, a family member or friend – bonus points if it’s someone from our own OPL community! But the only rule is don’t bring your own! \nAnd fully in keeping with the ‘covers’ theme\, the night will be hosted not by our usual Phoebe Nicholson\, but by the hosts of the Poets Cafe in Reading\, Vic Pickup and Katherine Meehan! \nKatherine Meehan is a writer from North Carolina. Her work has appeared in Kenyon Review\, Magma\, Crannog\, Shearsman\, and other journals. In 2023\, her first collection\, Dame Julie Andrews’ Botched Vocal Cord Surgery\, was published by Two Rivers Press. She is a co-organiser of Reading’s Poets’ Cafe and is currently researching tarot ekphrasis for a practice-based PhD at the University of Reading. \nVic Pickup is the author of Lost & Found (Hedgehog Press\, 2020)\, What Colour is My Brain? (co-written with Jules Whiting\, Hedgehog Press 2022) and The Omniscient Tooth Fairy (Indigo Dreams\, 2023). She has also edited a new anthology from Two Rivers Press\, Reading Poets\, which was launched this summer. Vic is a postgraduate researcher\, working in the Mills & Boon archives held in Reading University’s Special Collections. She is the co-organiser of Poets’ Café Reading and Reading Stanza group\, both of which are affiliated with The Poetry Society. www.vicpickup.com \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-28/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/this-is-just-to-say-flyer-no-byob.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250509T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250509T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250324T171121Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T171121Z
UID:9820-1746797400-1746804600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Write Space
DESCRIPTION:What is it?\nWrite Space is a pop-up space for you to work on your creative writing projects in the company of other local writers. Come and write with us in a friendly low-key environment. \nWhen is it?\n1.30-3.30pm fortnightly on Fridays \nWhere is it?\nThe Event Space at the Community Works\, Park End Street (access through Lula’s). \nWho is it for?\nWriting can be a lonely business and sometimes it can be hard to protect time for yourself to write when life weighs in. Write Space is for anyone writing creatively (poetry\, fiction\, drama\, creative non-fiction…) who values this space. Write Space is facilitated by OPL volunteers. \nHow do I take part?\nBook your spot in advance via the Eventbrite link below – any donation is welcome from 1p to £££s to support the work of Oxford Poetry Library. \nDo I have to come for the whole time?\nIt’s up to you! There is a writing prompt available at the start for those who wish\, or you can settle straight into your own project. We take a short break half -way to chat about what you’re working on\, discuss an aspect of writing life or just stretch your legs and grab a drink. \nWhat should I bring?\nBring what you’re working on and what you like to write on/ with. Bring your own drink or buy one at Lula’s.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/write-space-9/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Write-Space-final-image-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250510T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250510T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241209T145122Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T151026Z
UID:8605-1746885600-1746892800@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Shape of Poetry
DESCRIPTION:Note that these sessions will take place online – links to the Zoom sessions will be circulated to those who have registered in advance of these events.  \nMany of us feel intimidated by formal poetry: Some of us consider it too restrictive and governed by rules\, while others write exclusively in form. This workshop is an invitation to all writers of poetry\, whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years\, to explore the creative potential of poetic forms. \nOur monthly sessions happen on the second Saturday of the month from 2pm til 4pm. During each of our workshops\, we will look at the conventions of a particular form such as the sonnet\, ghazal\, or haiku\, read example poems\, and write our own versions. This workshop will be a collaborative space for us to explore how experimenting with limitations or restrictions in our writing can give us whole new ways of expressing ourselves\, and open unexpected doors! 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+. \nTickets are priced at £5 for general admission (£10 for those able to donate a bit more\, £2 for those on lower income) and registration is required. If this cost would be prohibitive to your attending\, please email us at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com and we can allocate you one of our limited free spots in the workshop.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-shape-of-poetry-4/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IN-PERSON-Shape-of-Poetry-flyer.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250512T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250512T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250212T151812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T151812Z
UID:9383-1747076400-1747081800@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-28/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Event-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250515T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
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:20250517T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250517T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250121T153205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T181002Z
UID:9126-1747490400-1747497600@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Reading Circle
DESCRIPTION:People who never read poetry don’t write poems that are worth reading – Wendy Cope \n  \nIf you’re keen to find a way in to reading and appreciating poetry\, discover new writing\, and open your mind to the world of poetry\, welcome to The Reading Circle. Come to OPL’s poetry reading group where we’ll share and discuss poems written in the 20th and 21st centuries in a relaxed and inclusive peer-led environment. \n  \nQuestions we’ll be asking include: \nWhat makes a poem ‘work’?  \nWhy do we like a poem? Why don’t we?  \nIs there such a thing as a fashionable poem? Does it matter?  \nCan we love a poem we don’t fully understand? What makes mystery different to obscurity?  \nWhat might we learn from other poets that can help us enrich our own craft? \n  \nThe Reading Circle meets on the third Saturday of each month\, 2-4 pm in The Community Works. \nWe suggest a donation to attend each session: £5 for general admission (£10 for those able to donate a bit more) and registration is required here. Donations are optional and shouldn’t be prohibitive to you attending\, but all proceeds go to the running costs of the Oxford Poetry Library and our ability to continue providing these sorts of sessions. \nThis month’s group will be facilitated by the established writers (and prolific readers) Alan Buckley and Vanessa Lampert. \n  \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/the-reading-circle-13/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Reading-Circle.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250519T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250519T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250102T155324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T155409Z
UID:8876-1747683000-1747690200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- May Session
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 May 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-may-session/
CATEGORIES:Activities To Do,LGBTQAI+,online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/LIT-group-pic.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250523T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250523T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250324T171200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T171200Z
UID:9821-1748007000-1748014200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Write Space
DESCRIPTION:What is it?\nWrite Space is a pop-up space for you to work on your creative writing projects in the company of other local writers. Come and write with us in a friendly low-key environment. \nWhen is it?\n1.30-3.30pm fortnightly on Fridays \nWhere is it?\nThe Event Space at the Community Works\, Park End Street (access through Lula’s). \nWho is it for?\nWriting can be a lonely business and sometimes it can be hard to protect time for yourself to write when life weighs in. Write Space is for anyone writing creatively (poetry\, fiction\, drama\, creative non-fiction…) who values this space. Write Space is facilitated by OPL volunteers. \nHow do I take part?\nBook your spot in advance via the Eventbrite link below – any donation is welcome from 1p to £££s to support the work of Oxford Poetry Library. \nDo I have to come for the whole time?\nIt’s up to you! There is a writing prompt available at the start for those who wish\, or you can settle straight into your own project. We take a short break half -way to chat about what you’re working on\, discuss an aspect of writing life or just stretch your legs and grab a drink. \nWhat should I bring?\nBring what you’re working on and what you like to write on/ with. Bring your own drink or buy one at Lula’s.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/write-space-10/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Write-Space-final-image-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250525T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250525T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20250320T122443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T130125Z
UID:9765-1748178000-1748185200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Drafting Table - Featured Poet Session
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Drafting Table\, where we share our emerging poems with each other and provide feedback in a safe and inclusive environment. \nMaybe you have been attending the Getting Started sessions and feel ready to edit your work and develop your ideas. Maybe you’re an experienced but unpublished poet who wants to take those next steps in your poetry career. Just bring a willingness to receive and provide feedback with the whole group! \nOnce a month\, we invite a published poet to join us. There will be a short reading of their poems followed by a workshop where attendees can learn more about the creative process\, get an insight into what it means to be a poet\, and share our work with them. \nThis month’s featured poet is Daniel Sluman. Daniel is a 38-year-old 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 published three poetry collections with Nine Arches Press. His most recent collection\, single window was released in September 2021\, and was shortlisted for the TS Eliot Prize. He was a judge for the 2024 Forward Prizes. \nFeel free to email any queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-featured-poet-session-3/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/drafting-table-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250530T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250530T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T220758
CREATED:20241115T170217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T170217Z
UID:8276-1748604600-1748610000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Hip Crowd open mic
DESCRIPTION:Hey! The rumours are true. It’s… \nThe Hip Crowd Open Mic! \n\nOxford Poetry Library and Makespace Oxford bring you an open mic event especially for folks with babes-in-arms\, but also open to all and everyone. \nIf you’re feeling like daytime is the right time for you to entertain or be entertained\, join us at The Community Works on the last Friday of every month. The action begins at 11.30am\, but performers please do arrive from 11am to sign up for your turn on the stage. \nWe welcome poetry\, music\, storytelling\, comedy and whatever else you think might dazzle in a 5-minute slot \nThe entire event will be baby friendly and baby welcoming\, with lots of floor space at the front\, changing facilities\, buggy parking area outside\, and clear walkways to exit the performance area easily if needed.  There will also be that most beautiful and warmly appreciated of gifts: free tea and coffee provided. \nThe event is non-ticketed\, but costs £5 to spectate (£2 for concessions) and is totally free to performers. \nBe there or be square.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/the-hip-crowd-open-mic-10/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-03-02-at-16.47.19.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR