Born in Africa, Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784) was kidnapped, brought to America, and sold to a prominent Boston family. Wheatley became the first African-American woman to publish a book of poems, and one of the best-known poets in the country.

A marathon poetry reading, free to the public, featuring fifteen of the nation's most luminous poets, will be held to celebrate Poets House's Fifteenth Anniversary and the opening of our newly expanded and renovated home.

So much has changed–—more space for books in a dedicated reading room, new exhibit space and offices across the hall, even a children's room launching this April–—but our commitment to providing an accessible, open place for poetry remains the same. Poets House has grown larger at our 72 Spring Street location. Please join Stanley Kunitz and other good friends for food, drink, and graceful toasts to this vibrant New York Institution.

Library hours resume Nov. 13, Tues.–Fri. 11–7 & Sat. 11–4. Please call for holiday closings, (212) 431-7920.

Friday, December 14, 11:00am–7:00pm — All Welcome
Saturday, December 15, 11:00am–4:00pm — Last Chance!
Give the gift of poetry—to yourself, your family and your friends. Our Holiday Book Sale offers thousands of books at bargain prices. All books are duplicate copies from our 40,000 volume (and growing) collection and all proceeds benefit the permanent collection. Last Chance prices are even lower!

Give the gift of poetry—to yourself, your family and your friends. Our Holiday Book Sale offers thousands of books at bargain prices. All books are duplicate copies from our 40,000 volume (and growing) collection and all proceeds benefit the permanent collection.

Award winning poets read from their work from the Live! At the Library stage

Award winning poets read from their work from the Live! At the Library stage

Award winning poets read from their work from the Live! At the Library stage

This year's panel discussion between poets and librarians focuses on young adult services—the books, the programs, and the methods that work—and the revolutionary impact the discovery of poetry can have.

On View in San Francisco June 16-18
Poets House brings the entire range of poetry production during the year 2000 to the exhibit hall.