Each month, Literary Arts staff will round up news, events, and more happening in Portland and beyond. Let us know in the form below the blog if you have any events or news to share.
EVENTS
A Larger Reality: Ursula K. LeGuin (Oregon Contemporary Art)
October 31–February 8 | Oregon Contemporary, 8371 N. Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217
A Larger Reality: Ursula K. Le Guin offers a biographical and poetical portrait of one of Oregon’s best known artists. Examining important moments and themes in Le Guin’s life and oeuvre, the exhibition encompasses a rich variety of media, immersing guests in the ideas, playfulness and hope that course through Ursula K. Le Guin’s art. The exhibition is curated by Theo Downes-Le Guin, the author’s son, with contributions from many others who knew the author or her work.
Black History Month: Albina Music Trust Soul Conversation (Multnomah County Library)
Sunday, February 1, 3:00 p.m. | Albina Library, 205 NE Russell Street, Portland, OR 97212
Soul Conversation is a panel discussion featuring Albina’s music legends, organized by Albina Music Trust. Musicians played a vital role in Albina’s historic Black community and their abundance is an important marker of the community’s enduring presence. This unique gathering of elders sheds light on Albina’s cultural heritage, with a nod to the future of Black Portland. Archival photography from the Albina Community Archive will be presented in conjunction with the conversation. Featuring Paul Knauls, LaRhonda Steele, Calvin Walker, Norman Sylvester, and Arietta Ward. Panel moderation by Juma Sei of the 1803 Fund. We find Black excellence in our musical roots here in the historic Albina neighborhood. Come together to celebrate the legacy they left and the future they still shape!
Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation.
Consider This: The Stories We Tell About Our Nations with Colum McCann (Oregon Humanities)
Tuesday, February 3, 7:00 p.m. | Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., Portland OR 97211 | $15-30
Join Oregon Humanities on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for a conversation with Colum McCann, the author of thirteen books and cofounder of Narrative 4. In conversation with Adam Davis and a Narrative 4 Fellow, McCann will explore the stories we tell about our nations.
Everybody Reads: Citizen Activism 101, Making Change Happen (Multnomah County Library)
Wednesday, February 4, 6:00 p.m. | Holgate Library, 7905 SE Holgate Boulevard, Portland, OR 97206
Learn ideas for bi-partisan civic and political engagement with Donna L. Cohen, civics educator. In this civics for adults course, Donna will show examples of historical perspective and successful advocacy, including different types and tools or strategies for change. Learn how your voice can be heard through lessons in tracking legislation, submitting testimony, and learning who makes the rules in a governing system. This event is first come, first served.
Scandinavians in New Netherland: with Author Sandra Freels (Nordic Northwest)
Thursday, February 5, 6:00 p.m. | Nordia House, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223 | $5-33
Join Nordic Northwest for a book talk and presentation with author Sandra Freels, who will share the historical research behind her debut novel, discuss the story and themes of the book, and read selected excerpts.
BOOKLOVER’S BURLESQUE: Erotica Edition (Lacy Productions)
Friday, February 6, 7:00 p.m. | Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., Portland OR 97211 | $30-45
A Booklover’s Burlesque special edition at The Alberta Rose Theatre, just in time for the sexiest season of the year- with all new readings and performances certain to bring about feelings in ALL the right places! Booklover’s Burlesque is the world’s sexiest literary salon which matches titillating, inspiring, and empowering book readings with burlesque, boylesque, and draglesque performances all in one show!
No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics w/ Rupert Kinnard x NWMOCA (PAM CUT)
Saturday, February 8, 4:00 p.m. | PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202Â |Â $15
Celebrate five decades of groundbreaking art and storytelling with Portland legend Rupert Kinnard! In conjunction with his 50-year retrospective at the Northwest Museum of Cartoon Arts, we’re thrilled to present a screening of No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics. This illuminating documentary traces the history of queer comics and the artists who reshaped representation on the page. Following the screening, Kinnard, creator of the first Black, queer superhero, will be onstage for an audience Q&A moderated by NWMOCA Board Chair Mike Rosen. Rupert Kinnard will sign books after the Q&A.Â
The Lathe of Heaven w/ Oregon Contemporary (PAM CUT)
Sunday, February 8, 6:30 p.m. | PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202Â |Â $15
As A Larger Reality: Ursula K. Le Guin comes to a close at Oregon Contemporary, join us for a film that honors the imagination, empathy, and wonder at the heart of Le Guin’s work. Journey into The Lathe of Heaven, a visionary adaptation of Le Guin’s novel where dreams reshape reality and every wish carries its shadow. This special screening invites audiences to reflect on the power of creation, and the delicate balance between dreaming and doing.
Oregon Gold Book Talk (Oregon Historical Society)
Sunday, February 8, 2:00 p.m. | Oregon Historical Society, 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, Oregon 97205Â |Â FREE
A book talk with William F. Willingham. Following the discovery of gold in 1862 at Auburn and Canyon City, new communities and prospects were established in eastern Oregon. Just as the lure of free land attracted homesteaders and livestock raisers in search of new opportunities, so did the possibility of finding wealth in gold and silver throughout the region.
Everybody Reads: Speech, Hip Hop & the Power to Persuade (Multnomah County Library)
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 p.m. | North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97217
As part of the library’s Everybody Reads series, this program introduces teens and adults to the fundamentals of debate through games, mock rounds, writing prompts, and lively exchanges. Participants will learn novice techniques such as argument structure, persuasive delivery, and flowing—the skill of tracking and responding to ideas in a live round.
Everybody Reads: Handwriting the Constitution (Multnomah County Library)
Saturday, February 14, 2:00 p.m. | Northwest Library, 2030 NW Pettygrove Street, Portland, OR 97209
Come together to quietly copy the U. S. Constitution by hand. It is an opportunity for reflection on the meaning and content of this foundation of self-governance, using tools that are available to all of us: pen and paper. Free copies of the U. S. Constitution will be available for all participants. Bring a writing tool and paper (some paper and pens will be on hand). A free “Handwriting Tips” informational sheet will also be available. These events are a partnership between Handwriting the Constitution and Handwriting Success.
OMSI After Dark: Fantasy & Folklore (OMSI)
Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 p.m. | The Museum 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214
OMSI has a history of hosting Renaissance faires dating back to the late 1980s, and this is our way of giving a nod to that history while still keeping it sciency and in line with the OMSI After Dark oeuvre. Dressing up is highly encouraged, but you can still live the fantasy in a pair of sweats! This event comes with General Admission and Magically Enhanced Admission options, scroll to read more!
Everybody Reads: An Oration Workshop with Toni Hill (Multnomah County Library)
Saturday, February 28, 3:30 p.m. | Kenton Library, 8226 N Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217
Come explore the art of oration through storytelling, rhythm, and authentic expression. In this interactive workshop, Toni Hill guides participants through techniques in voice, speech writing and performance, helping build confidence, clarity, and connection.
Keisha Blain | Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights (Oregon Historical Society)
Tuesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m. | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97205Â |Â FREE
A book talk with William F. Willingham. Following the discovery of gold in 1862 at Auburn and Canyon City, new communities and prospects were established in eastern Oregon. Just as the lure of free land attracted homesteaders and livestock raisers in search of new opportunities, so did the possibility of finding wealth in gold and silver throughout the region.
CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
Antlers and Beehives: Writing in Natural Patterns w/ Alex Behr (Corporeal Writing)
February 21 and February 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | $100
In this two-part zoom workshop, you will explore two forms described in Jane Alison’s “Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative”: fractals (antlers) and networks (beehives). This encounter may cause a little brain resistance as you break down inherited rules about “proper” narrative progression. However, the outcomes might crack through writer’s block and generate access to your ephemeral somatic spirit. As Alison writes, “[Fractal and branching] patterns aren’t just around us: they inform our bodies, too. … Our brains recognize and want [these] patterns.”
ArtWrite (Artist’s Rep)
First Sunday of the Month, 11:00 a.m. | Artists Rep, 1515 SW Morrison St. Portland, OR 97219 | FREE
Introducing a new monthly meet-up hosted by Artists Rep in partnership with the Dramatists Guild. Facilitated by E.M. Lewis and Sara Jean Accuardi. A little bit of writing, a little bit of sharing, a lot of connecting with other playwrights.
Resonate: A BIPOC Writing Circle (Write Around Portland)
2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month | 4:00–5:30 p.m. | Online via Zoom
Led by a Write Around Portland facilitator of color, Resonate consists of writing, sharing, and giving strengths-based feedback to each other. No preparation or experience in writing is required! Resonate is a great way to unlock your creativity, build or maintain a writing practice, and get some writing done! REGISTER HERE.
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTS AND WRITERS
Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships (Poetry Foundation)
Deadline: March 2, 2026
Entry fee: $0
Award: $27,000
The Poetry Foundation awards five Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships annually. Among the largest awards offered to young poets in the US, the $27,000 prize is intended to support exceptional US poets between 21 and 31 years of age. The fellowships were established in 1989 by the Indianapolis philanthropist Ruth Lilly and expanded in 2013 with a gift from the Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Memorial Fund.
First Novel Fellowships (James Jones Literary Society)
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Entry fee: $33
Award: $12,000
The James Jones First Novel Fellowship, in the amount of $12,000, is awarded annually to an American writer of a novel-in-progress who has not previously published a novel. The Fellowship is co-sponsored by the James Jones Literary Society and the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing of Wilkes University.
Spring YA Workshop (McCormack Writing Center)
Duration: May 29-June 1, 2026
Cost: $1,100
This Spring YA Workshop takes place over a long weekend, featuring curated, intimate workshops (no more than six participants per class), craft lectures, generative exercises, and readings. There will also be plenty of opportunities for mingling, sightseeing in Portland, and, of course, karaoke.
FOR KIDS & TEENS
Children’s Storytime (Bold Coffee & Books)
Saturdays from 11:00–11:30 a.m. | Bold Coffee & Books, 1755 SW Jefferson St, Portland, OR 97205 | FREE
Whether an author is here to read their book or our staff is reading a favorite, we’ll feature stories that spread compassion, awareness, and positivity. Children will get a coloring page or sticker to take home too!
Traditional Native Games and Storytelling with Drea Robideau (Multnomah County Library)
Sunday, February 1, 2:00 p.m. | Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97233 | FREE
Join community artist, teacher, and storyteller Drea to learn Native Games and explore the healing power of play! Made possible by The Library Foundation through support from The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Fund.
Book Babies (Multnomah County Library)
Monday, February 5, 10:30 a.m. | Woodstock Library, 6008 SE 49th Avenue, Portland, OR 97206 | FREE
Babies from birth to 12 months (with a favorite adult) enjoy songs, action rhymes, and playtime, with bonus socialization for babies and the adults. Attendance is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.
Everybody Reads: A Path to Justice, a Panel for Teens (Multnomah County Library)
Saturday, February 7, 1:30 p.m. | North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97217
Teens! Have you considered a career in law? Join the current students of Lewis & Clark Black Law Students Association for a panel discussion on why they chose this path. Ask them directly about their journey, what drives them, and the different specialties available. Learn why your voice is essential in the legal field. Afterwards, you can mingle with the panelists over light refreshments. This event may be most relevant for teens of color, but all are welcome.
Everybody Reads: Resilient Path, Art Inspired by Lovely One (Multnomah County Library)
Wednesday, February 18, 5:30 p.m. | Rockwood Library, 17917 SE Stark Street, Portland, OR 97233
Join a wellness-based workshop inspired by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, Lovely One. Reflect on themes of resilience, identity, and self-expression with The Lamb Art Studio. Learn quotes and moments from the book in a slideshow. Create symbolic artwork about personal growth, justice, or dreams for the future. Engage in art, mindfulness, and community dialogue around this year’s Everybody Reads selection. This event is intended for patrons 12 years and older and space is limited. Registration opens on February 1.
Everybody Reads: Resilient Path, Art Inspired by Lovely One (Multnomah County Library)
Wednesday, February 25, 5:30 p.m. | Hillsdale Library, 1525 SW Sunset Boulevard, Portland, OR 97239
Join a wellness-based workshop inspired by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir, Lovely One. Reflect on themes of resilience, identity, and self-expression with The Lamb Art Studio. Learn quotes and moments from the book in a slideshow. Create symbolic artwork about personal growth, justice, or dreams for the future. Engage in art, mindfulness, and community dialogue around this year’s Everybody Reads selection. This event is intended for patrons 12 years and older and space is limited. Registration opens on February 1.
IN THE NEWS
Multnomah County Library’s Everybody Reads program brings Black History 101 Mobile Museum to libraries (Oregon ArtsWatch)
Dive Into “The Chronology of Water”(Willamette Week)
2026 Pacific Northwest Book Awards Winners (PNBA)
RECOMMENDED READING
Everybody Reads 2026: Lovely One by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson | (Multnomah County Library)
Everybody Reads 2026: a lovely legacy for children – memoirs and biographies of Black women in law | (Multnomah County Library)
January 2026 | (Powells)
Staff Picks | (The Literary Arts Bookstore)
Community News Submissions
Let us know if you have any events, news to share, or opportunities for writers for the In the Community blog and we will consider adding it to the next blog post!
