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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251128T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251128T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20241115T171701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T171701Z
UID:8291-1764329400-1764334800@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-15/
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:20251130T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251130T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20250625T104109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T132255Z
UID:10935-1764507600-1764514800@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 Maybe you’re an experienced but unpublished poet who wants to take those next steps in your poetry career.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 poet is Sophia Blackwell. \nSophia is the author of five books of poetry\, fiction and non-fiction. Her most recent book\, The Poetry Writers’ Handbook\, was published by Bloomsbury in 2022. Sophia has delivered several writing and publishing workshops for Bloomsbury\, and has been one of the editors of the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook for over ten years. \nAs an editor\, Sophia has worked with over fifty authors and edited books that went on to be published by Penguin\, Bloomsbury\, Oxford University Press\, Duke University Press and Unbound. Sophia has lectured on writing\, publishing and events for Falmouth University\, University College London and Oxford University Faculty of Continuing Education. \nWhen not writing or editing\, Sophia makes work that explores the intersections between spoken word\, theatre\, music and radio. She is a presenter and producer on London station Resonance FM and The Polari Prize Podcast\, and has featured on BBC and Virgin Radio. In addition to a twenty-year publishing career\, Sophia has been a featured poet five times at Glastonbury Festival. In 2023\, her electronica-backed poem The Beau Monde was commissioned for the Crown to Couture exhibition at Kensington Palace. She is currently working on her second novel. \nFeel free to email any queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-featured-poet-session-9/
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:20251202T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251202T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20241115T165341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T163656Z
UID:8259-1764703800-1764712800@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 this month is IRREVERENCE. We’re ditching the sacred and side-eyeing the serious. Bring your wit\, your bite\, your beautiful disrespect. We want your naughtiest behaviour. \nEvery month we feature a performer with a slightly extended set and this month’s featured performer to grace our stage will be Kat Dixon! Kat (she/they) is a queer writer based in London. Her poetry has been described as “modern\, stylish and filthy” and “the opposite of boring” (Clare Pollard). She’s had poems published with The Rialto\, Magma\, Perverse\, Butcher’s Dog\, Queerlings\, fourteenpoems and others. Kat has a Master’s degree in Writing Poetry with Newcastle University and teaches with the likes of The Poetry School and Aldeburgh Poetry Festival. Their debut poetry chapbook eat the glitter is published with Broken Sleep Books.  IG: @dixon_kat katdixonpoetry.co.uk \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-35/
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:20251205T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251205T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251007T184116Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T184116Z
UID:11915-1764941400-1764948600@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-19/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screengrab-Write-Space-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251206T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20250320T121939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T121939Z
UID:9760-1765026000-1765033200@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-32/
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:20251208T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251208T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20250801T194936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250801T194936Z
UID:11308-1765220400-1765225800@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-35/
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:20251213T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251213T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20241209T162057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T170903Z
UID:8626-1765634400-1765641600@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-11/
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:20251215T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251215T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20250102T160601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T160601Z
UID:8894-1765827000-1765834200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:LIT Reading Group- December 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 December 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-december-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:20260106T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260106T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
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:20260110T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260110T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251228T103931Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251228T103931Z
UID:12590-1768053600-1768060800@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-7/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ONLINE-Shape-of-Poetry-flyer-ONLINE1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260110T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260110T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
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:20260112T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260112T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251129T104411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251129T104411Z
UID:12355-1768244400-1768249800@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-36/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Event-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260116T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260116T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20260109T161536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T161536Z
UID:12712-1768564800-1768572000@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?\n12-2pm on the third Friday of each month (currently booking to June 2026). \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-20/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screengrab-Write-Space-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260117T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260117T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251117T094317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T142527Z
UID:12248-1768658400-1768665600@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 contemporary poems (and occasionally poems from the late 20th century) 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. If you aren’t able to come on the day\, please do cancel your booking on Eventbrite\, to free up space for others. \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-19/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Reading-Circle.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260119T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260119T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
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:20260125T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260125T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20260112T124638Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T131814Z
UID:12733-1769346000-1769353200@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 poet is Mary Jean Chan! They are the author of Flèche (Faber\, 2019)\, which won the Costa Book Award for Poetry. Bright Fear (Faber\, 2023)\, Chan’s second book\, was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best Collection. Chan is currently Departmental Lecturer in Poetry on the MSt in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford. \nThe workshop isn’t ticketed but we limit attendee numbers to a maximum of 20\, and on the day will work on a strict first-come first-served basis. \nFeel free to email any queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-featured-poet-session-7/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/drafting-table-banner.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260130T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260130T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20241115T171819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T171819Z
UID:8294-1769772600-1769778000@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-16/
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:20260131T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260131T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20250110T160622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T101856Z
UID:9014-1769887800-1769893200@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:Poetic Dreamscapes in a World of Broken Sleep
DESCRIPTION:Edgar Allan Poe famously wrote: All that we see or seem / Is but a dream within a dream. \nThese three poets\, some of them fittingly linked to or published by Broken Sleep Books\, respond to the world in ways that are often dreamlike and surreal\, brokering a poetics that is inherently disconcerting for the non-initiated but comforting to those that regularly dare to dream. \nJoin us on Saturday 31st January at The Community Works at 7.30pm for readings from three poets: Christopher Horton\, Laura Theis\, and Phoebe Nicholson\, and a chance to share your own work during an open mic segment! \nSet readings will be followed by an open mic where you are welcome to bring your own work to share. Sets are 2-3 minutes – please sign up on the door. \nTickets are £5 each (£2 concessions) – book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment here.  \nThe building is accessible\, but if you have any specific access needs\, please drop us an email at oxfordpoetrylibrary@gmail.com beforehand. \nChristopher Horton grew up in Oxfordshire but now lives in Kent. His poems have appeared in The North\, Poetry London\, Poetry Wales\, New Welsh Review\, Acumen\, Ambit\, Iota\, Magma\, SOUTH\, The Wolf\, Stand\, Frogmore Papers\, and in anthologies with Penned in the Margins\, Broken Sleep Books\, tall-lighthouse and Days of Roses. He was a prize winner in the National Poetry Competition and the Bridport Prize. His first pamphlet\, Perfect Timing\, was released by tall-lighthouse press in 2021 and a second pamphlet was released by Broken Sleep Books in 2025. \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. \nLaura Theis’ 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. Her latest collection is ‘Introduction To Cloud Care’.
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/christopher-horton-reading/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Picture.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260203T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260203T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
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:20260207T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260207T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20260112T130553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T130553Z
UID:12763-1770469200-1770476400@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 – enter via the side entrance for the Event Space \n21 Park End Street OX1 1HH
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-workshop-session-33/
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:20260209T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260209T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251129T104904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251129T104904Z
UID:12361-1770663600-1770669000@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-37/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Event-Cover.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260214T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260214T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251228T104148Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251228T104148Z
UID:12594-1771077600-1771084800@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-12/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ONLINE-Shape-of-Poetry-flyer-ONLINE1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260216T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260216T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
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:20260220T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260220T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20260109T161623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T161623Z
UID:12713-1771588800-1771596000@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?\n12-2pm on the third Friday of each month (currently booking to June 2026). \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-21/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/screengrab-Write-Space-cropped.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260221T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260221T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251117T094621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T142625Z
UID:12252-1771682400-1771689600@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 contemporary poems (and occasionally poems from the late 20th century) 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. If you aren’t able to come on the day\, please do cancel your booking on Eventbrite\, to free up space for others. \nThis month’s group will be facilitated by the established writers (and prolific readers) Alan Buckley 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-20/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Reading-Circle.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260222T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260222T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20260112T125008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T121441Z
UID:12736-1771765200-1771772400@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. This month we will be joined by Laura Theis. \nLaura Theis grew up in a place where each street was named after a different fairy tale. She writes in her second language. Her work has appeared in Poetry\, Oxford Poetry\, Magma\, Rattle\, The Irish Times\, Berlin Lit\, and others. Her accolades include the Caterpillar Poetry Prize\, the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize\, the Oxford Brookes Poetry Prize\, the Hammond House International Literary Award\, the AM Heath Prize\, the Mogford Short Story Prize\, and a Forward Prize nomination. Her poetry debut was the winner of the Brian Dempsey Memorial Prize\, an Oxford Poetry Library Book-of-the-Month\, and an Elgin Award nominee. Her collection A Spotter’s Guide To Invisible Things won the Live Canon Collection Prize and received the Arthur Welton Award from the Society of Authors. Her book\, Introduction to Cloud Care\, was published by Broken Sleep Books in 2025 and her children’s debut Poems from a Witch’s Pocket\, came out in September. \nFeel free to email any queries to opldraftingtable@gmail.com
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-featured-poet-session-10/
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:20260227T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260227T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251024T170329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T212318Z
UID:12052-1772191800-1772199000@oxfordpoetrylibrary.com
SUMMARY:The Hip Crowd open mic: CANCELLED
DESCRIPTION:PLEASE NOTE THIS MONTH’S HIP CROWD IS CANCELLED! We’ll see you in March! \n  \nHey! 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-17/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2024-03-02-at-16.47.19.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260303T193000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260303T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
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:20260307T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260307T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20260112T130705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T130705Z
UID:12766-1772888400-1772895600@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 – enter via the side entrance for the Event Space \n21 Park End Street OX1 1HH
URL:https://oxfordpoetrylibrary.com/event/drafting-table-workshop-session-34/
LOCATION:The Community Works\, 21 Park End Street\, Oxford\, OX1 1HH\, United Kingdom
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260309T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260309T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T182644
CREATED:20251129T105557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251129T105557Z
UID:12364-1773082800-1773088200@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-38/
LOCATION:The Community Works Event Space
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