Welcome to Lit Youngstown, a non-profit Literary Arts Center. Youngstown has a long and abundant history of writers, beginning with immigrant steelworker Michael McGovern, the “Puddler Poet,” who crafted his verse in the mid 1800s. Today we celebrate award-winning poets, fiction and non-fiction writers and journalists, as well as presses, programs and publications.
The literary arts, music and the visual arts generate a tremendous amount of economic activity in our region, and are a critical element of making Youngstown a great place to live. We believe that the act of writing and reading fosters creativity, an increased understanding of the self, a strengthening of community, and a broader knowledge of the world.
We are planning programs and events focused on many aspects of the literary arts: honing craft; publishing; performing; and engaging with literature. This spring we will offer classes taught by skilled writers and scholars, for writers and readers of all ages and experience levels. Watch for the announcement of the first of our monthly “first Wednesday” prose and poetry readings, with a special guest, followed by an open mic. Soon, we will be launching Kickstand, a poetry book discussion blog.
Lit Youngstown strives to be an information source for literary gigs happening all over the region.Is there a program or event you’d like us to know about? Is there a class you would like to take or teach? Let us know. You can reach us at lityoungstown@gmail.com.