Bookstore Free Events
Independent Bookstore Day at Literary Arts
This Saturday, April 26, is Independent Bookstore Day! Come celebrate with us at 716 SE Grand Avenue from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m for a day full of books, community,
45 events found.
Events, Classes, and Seminars
Our events, classes, and seminars bring the community together to hear, learn, and discuss the most compelling issues and ideas of our day. We hope you will join us in our community space and bookstore at 716 SE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR, online, and at partnering venues across Portland and Oregon.
Bookstore Free Events
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore
Bring the whole family for a magical Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore! Sing, play, and dive into the world of Spanish storytelling hosted by Adventures in Spanish. Join us for a fun and engaging way to enhance your child’s Spanish skills through lively stories and interactive activities! Every fourth Saturday of the month.
Free Events In-person Spring 2025 Writing Classes
How to Start a Story: Three Purposeful Prompts to Serve Your Writing
In this 1-hour workshop, participants will review three different types of writing prompts and explore how each of these types of prompts can serve their writing. Participants will then choose the prompt that speaks to them and complete a short writing exercise, with room to share reflections at the end.
Free Events Online Class Writing Classes
The Break with Kaveh Akbar
The Break is a monthly virtual gathering of writers and artists lead by Kaveh Akbar, celebrating amongness, collaboration, and interdisciplinary creative experimentation.
Oregon Book Awards & Fellowships Ticketed Events
2025 Oregon Book Awards
Join us for an evening honoring our state's most accomplished writers in the genres of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, young readers, and drama.
Online Class Spring 2025 Writing Classes
The Finish Line
This 8-week class is focused on helping each writer push one story, essay or poem through the drafting and revision stages on over the finish line. We'll meet weekly to share accountability updates, read some work-in-progress with the group, set or revise goals for your weekly writing practice, and share successes and challenges with fellow writers.
Bookstore Free Events
Story time with Megan Woodward
Join local author Megan Woodward, for a hilarious interactive reading of her picture book This Book is Definitely Not Cursed which will be followed by a creative group activity, a silly craft, and a Q&A with a puppet. Get ready to giggle! Book description: Engage even the most can’t-sit-still little ones with this laugh-out-loud, interactive
In-person Writing Classes
Mapping Your Nonfiction Book: Outlining Your Idea from Start to Finish
This class series focuses on developing a clear roadmap for memoirs, self-help books, or narrative nonfiction. Through hands-on exercises, participants will outline their projects, identify key themes, and learn techniques for organizing research and storytelling.
Delve Readers Seminars In-person
Marilynne Robinson: Gilead
Marilynne Robinson’s 2004 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel Gilead appears as one long and intimate letter from an aging father, the Reverend John Ames, to his young son. The letter is an
Bookstore Free Events
The Art of the Board Book, Jon Klassen in conversation with Carson Ellis
Join the incomparable Jon Klassen at the Literary Arts Bookstore for a grown-up discussion about our youngest readers celebrating the release of 3 new original board books. Klassen will be in conversation with fellow illustrator Carson Ellis.
Spring 2025 Writing Classes
Following the Brush: Experimenting with the Zuihitsu form
In this generative class, we’ll explore the form’s history, then follow the brush into the ecotone between prose poem and lyric essay. Along the way, we’ll push, stretch, and experiment with the form’s possibilities for internal reflection. Writers will leave class with first drafts of zuihitsu on topics of their choosing, which can be further refined at home.
Online Class Writing Classes
Missions and Manifestos: the artist statement and beyond
This is a course for artists, writers, or any human wanting to better define their purpose in life. We will read historical manifestos as well as contemporary artist statements and look at those artist and writer's work in the context of their words. Participants will then write their own statements, leaving the class with a long version, a condensed version, and a sense of how their practice will change to follow their stated purpose.
Bookstore Free Events
One Page Wednesday – May
Here is an opportunity to share or listen to one page of work in progress from talented writers from everywhere. Come with a single page of work and sign up to read—or come to listen and prepare to be inspired. Our host is the one and only, Emme Lund. May's featured reader is Autumn Bettinger.
Portland Arts & Lectures
RESCHEDULED: Masha Gessen: Portland Arts & Lectures 2024–25
Featured
Portland Arts & Lectures 2024–25
Masha Gessen joins Literary Arts' 40th anniversary season of Portland Arts & Lectures on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Bookstore Free Events
Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore
Families are invited to join us weekly on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at the Literary Arts Bookstore for story time! Each week our booksellers will read from picture books we love and enthusiastically share our love of reading and play with our youngest community members. Every fourth Saturday of the month we're teaming up
Delve Readers Seminars In-person
Herman Melville: Moby-Dick
In this seminar, we will tackle Melville’s whale of a book, exploring its philosophical insights, its debts to other writers (especially Shakespeare and Hawthorne), its commentary on US politics and culture, and (of course) its cetology, the chapters about whales and whaling. Across six weeks, we will take up Melville’s challenge—“Read it if you can”—and join the Pequod’s crew on their quests for knowledge, for friendship, and for revenge.
In-person Writing Classes
Where Do I Go From Here: Writing the Novel
This weekend intensive is designed for writers who have written at least the first two chapters of a novel. Limited to 8 students, each participant will have their work discussed, with feedback from the class and the instructor. Discussions will be focused on character development and plot and how to chart the next steps with your novel.
Bookstore Free Events
Trans Nature Writing Extravaganza
Join local writers Callum Angus, Cavar, and Miranda Schmidt for a celebration of the art of trans nature writing. Bios: Callum Angus is a writer, editor, and publisher of smoke and mold, a literary journal invested in the narrative possibilities trans lives bring to our changing nature-culture. His first story collection, A Natural History
Spring 2025 Writing Classes
From Idea to Manuscript: Crafting the Picture Book
Have you ever wondered how to turn your brilliant idea into a captivating picture book? In this 8-week course, you’ll learn the art of crafting picture books that leave a lasting impression. We'll explore the world of children's literature, studying beloved classics and contemporary favorites, to inspire your creativity. Through engaging lessons and hands-on workshops, you'll develop a picture book manuscript from concept to completion.
Free Events In-person
Slamlandia
Slamlandia is a poetry open mic and slam that meets every month at Literary Arts, on the third Thursday. This mic provides a creative, fun, and welcoming space for all literary communities in Portland. We encourage poets new and old to come share their work. We strive towards a safe space for poets to read their
Bookstore Free Events
Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore
Families are invited to join us weekly on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at the Literary Arts Bookstore for story time! Each week our booksellers will read from picture books we love and enthusiastically share our love of reading and play with our youngest community members. Every fourth Saturday of the month we're teaming up
In-person Writing Classes
Write with Emily
Join novelist Emily Chenoweth for an afternoon of writing and community. Participants will spend time writing to a variety of prompts, sharing their work with classmates, and learning tips and tricks for creating and maintaining their writing practice. Writers of fiction, memoir, and poetry are all welcome for this fun, focused afternoon. Access Program We
Bookstore Free Events
AVERY AND THE FAIRY CIRCLE: Plant Journaling with Local Author Rowan Kingsbury
Join local author and illustrator Rowan Kingsbury to celebrate her debut graphic novel, Avery and the Fairy Circle, the story of a girl and her fairy friend exploring the local forests of the Pacific Northwest! Kingsbury will teach us the art of plant journaling so that you, too, can learn about your local flora. About
In-person Writing Classes
Advanced Fiction Workshop Intensive
In this six-week, workshop-meets-craft class, we'll dissect three different short stories and figure out: How did the writer do that? We’ll then apply some of those same literary tools to your own stories. This class for writers with some experience includes a workshop component.
Bookstore Free Events
THE HOLLOW HALF: Sarah Aziza in conversation with Omar El Akkad
Join us in welcoming Sarah Aziza and Omar El Akkad for a conversation on Sarah's new memoir, The Hollow Half. About the book: A brush with death. An ancestral haunting. A century of family secrets. Sarah Aziza’s searing, genre-bending memoir traces three generations of diasporic Palestinians from Gaza to the Midwest to New York City—and
Bookstore Free Events In-person
Think Out Loud: Leah Sottile’s BLAZING EYE SEES ALL
From crystals to cults, Leah Sottile's Blazing Eye Sees All is an investigation into American New Age spirituality and the ways it helps and hurts people. Exploring themes of extremism, feminism and power, come listen to the conversation live and in person at the Literary Arts bookstore as it is broadcast on OPB's Think Out
Online Class Writing Classes
Yallah! Muslims Write
Yallah! Muslims Write is a monthly workshop with the expressed intent to foster a joyful, supportive, and courageous space for self-identifying Muslim artists.
Bookstore Free Events
Incite: Queer Writers Read
Incite: Queer Writers Read is a curated, bimonthly reading series for Queer writers. Incite’s hope is to create conversation, connection, and greater understanding both within the Queer community and with other communities. Hosted by Vinnie Kinsella and Jennifer Perrine. The featured readers for May are T. Thorn Coyle, Miranda Schmidt, and Juan Antonio Trujillo. The theme is Ritual.
Bookstore Free Events
Healing Ourselves & Each Other with Susan Lieu
Literary Arts and The Dougy Center present Susan Lieu, a Vietnamese-American author, playwright, and performer. Her works include her solo show "140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother” and memoir The Manicurist’s Daughter.
Bookstore Free Events
Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore
Families are invited to join us weekly on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at the Literary Arts Bookstore for story time! Each week our booksellers will read from picture books we love and enthusiastically share our love of reading and play with our youngest community members. Every fourth Saturday of the month we're teaming up
Bookstore Free Events
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore
Bring the whole family for a magical Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore! Sing, play, and dive into the world of Spanish storytelling hosted by Adventures in Spanish. Join us for a fun and engaging way to enhance your child’s Spanish skills through lively stories and interactive activities! Every fourth Saturday of the month.
Free Events Online Class Writing Classes
The Break with Kaveh Akbar
The Break is a monthly virtual gathering of writers and artists lead by Kaveh Akbar, celebrating amongness, collaboration, and interdisciplinary creative experimentation.
Free Events Oregon Book Awards & Fellowships Oregon Book Awards Author Tour
OREGON BOOK AWARD AUTHOR TOUR: Jaclyn Moyer
A talk with Jaclyn Moyer, author of On Gold Hill: A Personal History of Wheat, Farming, and Family, from Punjab to California at the Monmouth Public Library. On Gold Hill is the 2025 winner of the Sarah Winnemucca Award for Creative Nonfiction. Braiding memoir with historical inquiry, On Gold Hill explores the complexities of the
For BIPOC Writers Free Events In-person
BIPOC Reading Series
This monthly reading series is intended to prioritize the safety, creativity, and stories of Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color. Come listen to our featured readers, or sign up to share your work in our open mic. Readings will be followed by a short community discussion. Hosted by Kyle Yoshioka and Jessica Meza-Torres. The featured readers
Bookstore Free Events
AAPI Heritage Month Author Reading and Community Celebration with APANO
Literary Arts and APANO are so excited to invite four incredible writers to read from their work and celebrate community during AAPI Heritage Month. Light refreshments will be served, and community building is encouraged! Bring a friend, make a friend, and absorb some wonderful stories. About AAPI Heritage Month In the month of May
Bookstore Free Events
Creative Mornings: Janice Lee & Lidia Yuknavitch
Registration for the event opens on Friday, May 23 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are free but capacity is limited. Register here. Agenda 🎶 Music from Joe Kye 💜 Janice Lee & Lidia Yuknavitch How to join 🍩 There will be Coava coffee & breakfast. 🚲 Public transit, biking and carpooling encouraged! Please only register if
Bookstore Free Events
Story Time at the Literary Arts Bookstore
Families are invited to join us weekly on Saturday mornings from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at the Literary Arts Bookstore for story time! Each week our booksellers will read from picture books we love and enthusiastically share our love of reading and play with our youngest community members. Every fourth Saturday of the month we're teaming up
Bookstore Free Events
Story time with Tom Toro
Join us for a very special story time reading and illustration demo with visiting author/illustrator Tom Toro to celebrate his newest book, Crocodiles Need Friends, Too! Tom Toro is an acclaimed New Yorker cartoonist, cover artist, and award-winning children's book author and illustrator. His books include Crocodiles Need Friends, Too! (Little, Brown), How to
Bookstore Free Events
FUTBOLISTA!: Jonny Garza Villa
Join us in celebrating Jonny Garza Villa's latest, Futbolista! A classmates-to-friends-to-lovers romp that is equal parts raunchy and heartfelt. About the book: A classmates-to-friends-to-lovers romance that's equal parts raunchy, heartfelt, queer, and Mexican-American, centered on college football (the REAL football)! Gabriel Piña knows who he is: a college goalkeeper, a future Liga MX or MLS
Bookstore Free Events
GLASS CENTURY: An Evening with Ross Barkan and Gabriel Kahane
Join us for a night of music and literary conversation with Gabriel Kahane and Ross Barkan, celebrating Glass Century. About the book: It's 1973 and Mona Glass is a 24-year-old amateur tennis star in a long-running affair with Saul Plotz, her former college professor. Her parents like Saul and desperately want the free-spirited Mona to
Free Events In-person
One Page Wednesday – June
Here is an opportunity to share or listen to one page of work in progress from talented writers from everywhere. Come with a single page of work and sign up to read—or come to listen and prepare to be inspired. Our host is the one and only, Emme Lund. The featured reader for June is Amy
Bookstore Free Events
Portland Book Week
Literary Arts is thrilled to be a part of Portland Book Week 2025! Come on down to the store, buy a Portland Book Week tote bag, and check some items off your Bingo card! a bookstore that hosts classes or events a bookstore with metaphysical or spiritual books a bookstore that hosts a story time
Online Class Summer 2025 Writing Classes
Grief and the Lyric Essay: SUMMER
Lyrical writing prioritizes music, rhythm, and emotion over the narrative arc. In this course, we will find entry into writing through reading, conversation, and various prompts and exercises to catalyze memory and insight.
Online Class Summer 2025 Writing Classes
Found Poetry: A Poetry Workshop
Poetry can be found anywhere and be created from anything. To create found poetry, we rely on a preexisting text like news articles, published poems, or excerpts from legal and government documents, to rediscover ways in which we as writers rely on language to create art.
Local KidLit Social at Literary Arts
Join us at Literary Arts for a social event to meet local children's authors and learn about their work! It's the middle of Portland Book Week AND The American Booksellers
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Literary Arts716 SE Grand Ave
Portland, Oregon 97214
- 503.227.2583
- 503.241.4256 fax
- la@literary-arts.org
Literary Arts, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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