Lit News

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

This community writing workshop is designed for those facing serious illness in themselves or family members. It is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on themes of survival and freeing our voices through creativity. The Shape of the Wind will explore journal writing, photography, drawing, and signs found around us. We will explore how these wells and mirrors pertain to our lives, silences within ourselves and others and the whirlwind of illness. Photography will be util

Each year, Lit Youngstown teams up with the YWCA of Youngstown to bring together poets and artists for the YWCA’s annual Women Artists Show. Poets will receive 1-3 images of artwork to inspire 1-3 poems. Selected poems will be presented alongside the artwork and poets will be invited to read their work at a reading Wednesday July 23, 2026. If you are unable to attend, a Lit Youngstown reader will read your poem for you. Click here to register. Registration deadline is June 15

The 2026 Summer Writing Camp invites writers of all ages to write, explore, and share their work. The day will include workshops led by local writers and a guided tour with naturalist, Emily Greve. Lunch will be provided. Click Here to register. Schedule: 10:00-11:00 Open Critique Share, listen and provide feedback with the group on previously written work 11:00-Noon Session Wren -Poetry writing with Philip Terman ------or--------- -Prose writing with RW Franklin 12:00-12:45

In this nonfiction session, we’ll talk about polishing your flash creative nonfiction until it shines like a metaphor, then sending it out into the constellations. This workshop will meet Tuesday June 2 at 3pmET via Zoom. The link will be sent to you the day of the workshop. Please register here by June 1. The workshop fee is $25. Sarah Freligh is the author of eight books, including Sad Math, winner of the 2014 Moon City Press Poetry Prize, and Hereafter, winner of the 2024

The '26-'27 Food for Thought book discussion series kicks off with our summer read, On Morrison, by Namwali Serpell. We will meet Thursday, September 17 at 5:30pm at Noble Creature, 126 E. Rayen. This book is available from bookshop.org , and to purchase a hardcopy for a special price from POP! Art Books Culture, please visit the quick sign-up here . Toni Morrison, Nobel Laureate and one of our most beloved writers, has inspired generations of readers. But her artistic geni

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 10:00 a.m. to 2:00pm. at the Boardman Library . Critique hour will take place from 11:00am - 12:00pm. If you would like feedback on a short work or excerpt from a l

For the final title in this round of Food for Thought book discussions, we will meet at 5:30pm on the 2nd Thursday at Noble Creature, 126 E. Rayen. Haven't read the book yet? No worries. State of Wonder by Ann Patchett is available at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County, and POP! Art Books Culture via Bookshop . State of Wonder is a 2011 novel by Ann Patchett about pharmacologist Marina Singh, who travels to the Amazon rainforest to find her former mentor, Dr

Check out these marvelous literary offerings for our first online auction . Extra thank you to the amazing members of our literary community for their creative generosity. Betsy Mars will fund an online writing workshop for you at ONE ART. Mary Quade will take you on a poetry hike at the Hiram College Field Station. Jennifer Sutherland will read your poetry manuscript and meet with you online to offer her feedback. Bonnie Proudfoot will mail to you a handcrafted kiln

First Wednesday Reader Series presents Youngstown historian Ben Lariccia of Philadelphia & Abby Vandiver of Cleveland on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00pm at the Westside Bowl, 2617 Mahoning Ave. Elyssa Pallone will co-host with an open mic to follow. Meagan Albani will provide ASL interpretation. The First Wednesday Reader Series receives support from POP! Art Books Culture. This reading will be upstairs by the main stage and fully accessible. Ben Lariccia is a native of Youngstown

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 indirectly related to grief. The group will meet in-person on Tuesday evenings at 6pm April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, and June 2 at the Youngstown Main Library (305 Wick Ave). This workshop is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reg

The Ohio Arts Council Arts Impact Conference in Cincinnati, May 12-14, is a great opportunity for literary arts nonprofit administrators from throughout Ohio to meet for conversation. Many thanks to the OAC for making a space for us! Lit Youngstown and Literary Cleveland invite you to Fiona's on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00pm in the lobby of the Graduate by Hilton, 151 Goodman St, Cincinnati, OH 45219. Fiona's offers a cash bar and dinner menu. Please let us know if you are com

Check out these marvelous literary offerings for our first online auction . Extra thank you to the amazing members of our literary community for their creative generosity. Betsy Mars will fund an online writing workshop for you at ONE ART. Mary Quade will take you on a poetry hike at the Hiram College Field Station. Jennifer Sutherland will read your poetry manuscript and meet with you online to offer her feedback. Bonnie Proudfoot will mail to you a handcrafted kiln

Thank you again to everyone who presented or participated in our 2026 Winter Writing Camp. We so enjoyed spending the day with you and look forward to seeing you all again next year!