Lit News

Gather in a safe space with other writers. All genres, experience levels, and ages are welcome. Any children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Socialize, share tips, experience, and events. Become part of a community that understands both the joys and the struggles of the writing life. We will meet from 10:00a.m. to 2:00pm. at POP! Art Books Culture (6949 Market St.). Critique hour will take place from 12-1pm. If you would like feedback on a short work or excerpt f

Thank you so much, birdbath dreamers and ticket buyers! Thanks to you we brought in $1200 from California to New Jersey, a bit of the ol' wind in our wings. Congrats to Sierra for winning this year’s treasure. We love the spot under an ancient oak already full of birds. Thank you for making this stunning piece, Tony Armeni!

This workshop welcomes writers new to the Mahoning Valley who have built lives across cultures and languages to document and share their experience through writing. Whether participants are documenting family histories, reflecting on journeys and transitions, celebrating cultural traditions, or simply exploring creativity, the workshop provides a supportive community where every voice is respected and every story has value. The workshop will meet on Tuesday evenings at 6pm (A

First Wednesday Reader Series presents poet Becca J.R. Lachman of Athens, OH; poet Renée Nicholson of Morgantown, WV; and fiction writer and essayist Rebecca Moon Ruark of Galesville, MD Wednesday, August 5 at 7:00pm at the Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. Bella Davis will co-host, with an open mic to follow. This reading will be downstairs in the Trophy Room, accessible only by stairs. Meagan Albani will provide ASL interpretation. The First Wednesday Reader Series receives

Join us Sunday, August 2 for Reemergence: an evening of poetry, art, & music at LOOP, co-hosted by Lit Youngstown. Visiting poets Rebecca Evans and Hannah Rodabaugh will lead a writing workshop, followed by the opening for LOOP Studio Artists' first exhibition, poetry readings, and live music. Registration is required for workshop and pizza buffet. No walk-ins please. To register, click here. Hannah Rodabaugh has a BA from Youngstown State University, an MA from Miami Univers

This workshop will provide a supportive and creative space for individuals to explore self-expression through writing. Whether participants are seeking a new creative outlet, looking to build a regular writing practice, or simply interested in exploring their voice, this workshop offers an opportunity to build community. The group will meet in-person Thursday evenings (August 6, 13, 20, 27, Sept. 3, 10) from 6-7pm at LOOP Arts & Culture Center (805 Mahoning Avenue). This work

Registration for this workshop is now closed. This workshop is a welcoming and engaging space for older adults to explore creativity, share experiences, and connect through the written word. Through guided discussion, prompts, and optional sharing opportunities, participants can reflect on life experiences, preserve memories, explore new ideas, and develop their unique voices. Whether participants are writing about family, work, travel, community, personal milestones, or ever

This workshop will serve as a community-centered space where veterans can explore their experiences, creativity, and personal stories through writing. No prior writing experience is necessary. Through group readings, group discussions, thoughtful prompts, and optional sharing opportunities, participants can develop their writing skills, connect with fellow veterans, and discover the power of language as a tool for reflection, healing, and self-expression. This workshop is des

Stop by to say hello, pick up a birdbath raffle ticket, t-shirt or your new favorite hoodie! We'll be in a big tent with our arts pals LOOP Youngstown Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join us Saturday July 18 from 2pm-8pm for an evening of summer fun at the Berlin Yacht Club (10557 Northview Dr, North Benton, OH 44449). We'll be doing it potluck style, so please bring a drink or a sweet, savory, snacky dish to pass! If you care to, go out on the water on the Club's sailboat, canoe or kayak. This mixer is free and open to all but please RSVP here to let us know you're coming.

This writing workshop is designed for adults experiencing grief. It will include a group poetry reading, peer-led discussion, thought-provoking prompts, and the opportunity to share work. All poems selected for the group reading are related to grief. The group will meet in-person Thursday July 23, 2026 from 2:00-3:30pm at Thrive 10:10 (22 N. Market St. Girard, OH 44420). This workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click here to register. Session l

Gather in a safe space with other writers. All genres, experience levels, and ages are welcome. Any children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Socialize, share tips, experience, and events. Become part of a community that understands both the joys and the struggles of the writing life. We will meet from 10:00a.m. to 2:00pm. at the East Library (430 Early Rd.). Critique hour will take place from 12-1pm. If you would like feedback on a short work or excerpt from a lo

First Wednesday Reader Series presents Dayton novelists Meredith Doench & Erin Flanagan on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00pm at the Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. Delaney Mathew will co-host with an open mic to follow. This reading will be downstairs in the Trophy Room, accessible only by stairs. Meagan Albani will provide ASL interpretation. The First Wednesday Reader Series receives support from POP! Art Books Culture. Meredith Doench is the author of the Luce Hansen sapphic t

Food for Thought Book Discussion will start back up in September. We can't wait to hear your thoughts on this exciting list of titles. Hope to see you there! September 17 On Morrison (academic) by Namwali Serpell October 8 The Sculptor (graphic novel) by Scott McCloud November 19 Kaveh Akbar live in Buffalo, hosted by Just Buffalo Literary Center December 10 Inland (novel) by Téa Obreht January 14 American Mother (memoir) by Colum McCann & Diane Foley February 11 Paper Girl

First Wednesday Reader Series presents Youngstown poet Philip Brady & journalism professor Jacqueline Marino on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00pm at the Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. Michele Gatts will co-host with an open mic to follow. This reading will be downstairs in the Trophy Room, accessible only by stairs. Meagan Albani will provide ASL interpretation. The First Wednesday Reader Series receives support from POP! Art Books Culture. Philip Brady is the author of five col

This writing workshop is designed for adults experiencing grief. Sessions will include group poetry readings, peer-led discussion, thought-provoking prompts, and the opportunity to share work. All poems selected for group readings are related to grief. The group will meet in-person Saturdays June 20, June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25, and August 8 from 10-11am at the New Castle Public Library (207 E North Street). This workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is

This writing workshop offers a quiet space to explore your stories—birth, sleepless nights, small joys, and everything in between. Guided by an experienced facilitator, you’ll try short prompts, share only if you wish, and connect with others who are finding their voices in this new season of life. No prior writing experience needed. This group will meet Tuesday evenings (June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7 and 14) from 6-7pm at LOOP Arts & Culture Center (805 Mahoning Avenue) in Youn

Rediscover your voice in this small-group writing workshop for empty nesters. Together, we’ll read short pieces, write from prompts, and share stories of what life looks like in this new season. Whether you’re returning to writing or starting fresh, this workshop offers steady support, conversation, and space to explore what’s next. This group will meet Tuesday evenings (June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7 and 14) from 6-7pm at LOOP Arts & Culture Center (805 Mahoning Avenue) in Youn

This writing workshop for men is a space to put words on the page, listen closely, and talk about writing. The group will meet Thursday evenings (June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, and 16) from 6-7pm at LOOP Arts & Culture Center (805 Mahoning Avenue) in Youngstown, OH. Seating is limited and registration is required. This workshop is now closed. Session leader, Alex Abruzzi, is a graduate of Youngstown State University with an M.A. in English with a focus on Education, as well as a

Lit Youngstown's Summer Writing Workshop for Teens invites young writers to explore poetry, stories, and personal essays in a supportive setting. The workshop will be led by experienced writer, teacher, and former journalist, Sydney Stalnecker. Participants will read fresh work, try new forms, and share their voices. This group will meet Thursday evenings from 6-7pm at LOOP Arts & Culture Center at 805 Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown, OH. Seating is limited and registration is