Spring is the time we at Literary Arts get to fully showcase our mission to engage readers, support writers, and inspire the next generation through these annual events.
Everybody Reads
On March 16, we welcome Ruth Ozeki to Portland, for the culminating event of Multnomah County Library’s Everybody Reads program. This community reading project promotes shared reading and discussion around a single book. You can pick up a free copy at any Multnomah County Library (while supplies last) or borrow an always available e-book or audiobook version. Broadway Books, Powell’s Books, and Third Eye Books have discounted copies to purchase, read, and share with your neighbors.
Oregon Book Awards
The Oregon Book Awards Ceremony, hosted by Luke Burbank, takes place on April 3, where we celebrate the extraordinary literary talent in our state. In addition to announcing winners across seven categories (this year includes an award for Drama), we also honor Oregon Literary Fellowship recipients. We look forward to announcing this year’s fellowship recipients next week.
Verselandia! Youth Poetry Slam
Finally, our mission to inspire youth often means they inspire us, as is the case at our annual Verselandia! Youth Poetry Slam Championship. You will be moved by the rawness and bravery shown by students from local public high schools as they take the stage at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, transforming it into an energetic space full of truth-telling, creativity, and incredibly diverse talent.
We hope you will join us at one or all of these amazing events! Be sure to check out our full calendar for additional events, writing classes, and readers seminars.
