Book project | Workshops/Events | Sponsors

Book Project

With a history of providing support for local writers through programming such as poetry contests and our Open Mic series, Springfield City Library is seeking entries for a collection of original writings about, or related to the City of Springfield. We are particularly hoping for pieces that tell untold stories, introduce new perspectives, and celebrate our City, its history, culture and/or inhabitants.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS HAS PAST.

Book Release Party!
Wednesday, August 19th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

The August Poetry in the Park Open Mic event will be extra special since it will feature readings from the Write On, Springfield! project, recently compiled into a book. Writers from the book will also be featured on the upcoming August 31st broadcast of the WTTC radio show “Flava,” hosted by Darryl Moss, 8-9 p.m. at 90.7 FM. In addition, selected pieces from Write On, Springfield! will be on display in the entrance of City Hall during September.

 

 

Workshops and Events

Central Library Poetry Writing Workshops

Saturday mornings, 9:30 - 11:30
June 27, July 18, August 8, August 22, September 5, September 19

Once again, the Central Library will be hosting Saturday morning poetry writing workshops, which will be facilitated by María Luisa Arroyo. Sessions will include time for new writing as well as for feedback on existing pieces. If you want feedback, bring 10 copies of your piece. Both newcomers and regulars ages 12+ are welcome to join any or all dates. Please watch this space for upcoming dates.
Pre-registration is not necessary, but feel free to contact the Central Library Reference Desk at 263-6828 x213 or writing@springfieldlibrary.org.

A native of Springfield's North End educated at Colby (B.A.), Tufts (M.A.) and Harvard (A.B.D.), María Luisa Arroyo won a 2004 Massachusetts Cultural Council grant in poetry and first place in the Spanish-language division of the Library's 2006 Poetry Contest. In addition to being an award-winning poet, Arroyo is an educator, single parent, and currently, a GED instructor at a local non-profit organization. Her poems have been published in many journals including PALABRA: A Magazine for Chicano and Latino Literary Art , CALYX , and The Women's Times . The Bilingual Review/Press (AZ)  published her first full-length volume of poems, Gathering Words/Recogiendo Palabras, last summer (2008).

Sponsors

Funding for a variety of writing-related events, including the compilation of a book of Springfield-themed creative writing, is supported by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.