Sponsored Readings

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The NCPS hosts or sponsors readings across North Carolina and has worked with the poetry community around the state to develop a handful of poetry reading series at several locations, in addition to one-time special event readings.


Central North Carolina

NCPS Meetings at Weymouth

The North Carolina Poetry Society holds its meetings four times per year at Weymouth Center for the Arts in Southern Pines.  This year’s meetings will be January 13, March 10, May 12, and September 15.  Typically, two noted poets are featured, along with open mic.  Attendance is free to visitors.  For more information click on events.

NCPS Readings at McIntyre’s Fine Books in Chatham County

The North Carolina Poetry Society sponsors a monthly reading series at McIntyre’s Fine Books, a lovely independent bookstore located in Fearrington Village, halfway between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro off of 15-501.  Featuring two to three NCPS members with books, they are always lively and entertaining, and for the past several years, poetry lovers have made the series a great success by continuing to come back each month.  Readings always begin at 2 pm on the fourth Sunday of each month

2019 Readings at McIntyre’s Books

January 27 – Joan Barasovska, Tom Dow, Sam Witt
February 24 – Sarah Edwards, Aruna Gurumurthy, Ed Lyons
March 31- Earl Huband, Doug Stuber, Priscilla Webster-Williams
April 28 – Tina Barr, Patty Cole, Valerie Nieman
May 26 – Ricky Garni, Iris Tillman Hill, Eric Sommer
June 23 – Rob Merritt, Ruth Moose, David Radavich
July 28 – Sam Barbee, Michael Gaspeny, Aruna Gurumurthy
August 25 – Bill Griffin, Ashley Memory
September 29 – Lena Shull Contest Winners
October 27 – Angell Caudill and Hermit Feathers Press Readers

For more information on McIntyre’s Fine Books including its location, please visit their website.  We thank McIntyre’s Fine Books for hosting our reading series!


Eastern North Carolina

Walking into April

Our annual Walking into April celebrates a day of poetry on Saturday, April 8, at Barton College in Wilson.  Two poets are featured, along with the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet of the eastern region and his or her students.  The featured poets are Beth Copeland and Bruce Lader, both authors of multiple collections.  Distinguished Poet Amber Flora will also read from her work and showcase the work of her student mentees.  Audience members may participate in open mic and purchase books.  Lunch can be reserved in advance.  For further information consult our events page or contact Rebecca Godwin.


Western North Carolina

Poetry Day Hickory

Every year Poetry Day Hickory celebrates the lyric arts at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory.  The featured poet is the winner of the Lena Shull Book Award, published by Saint Andrews University Press.  This year’s winner is Jan Harrington for her manuscript, Waiting for the Hurricane.  Ms. Harrington will offer a reading and workshop that day.  For further information consult our events page or contact Scott Owens.

Ridgeline Literary Alliance

The North Carolina Poetry Society and Ridgeline Literary Alliance are sponsoring a poetry reading series for southwestern North Carolina.  Three readings per year will be held featuring member poets of the NCPS.  The program may be expanded in the future to include additional readings as time and interest permit. If you are an NCPS member and wish to read at one of our venues, please contact Mary Ricketson.  For updated information, visit the Ridgeline website’s calendar page.