FAQ

Poets House is temporarily closed to the public. We look forward to seeing you once we reopen!

Is there a charge for using the library?

There is no charge! Poets House is free and open to all five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday.

Do I have to be a member to use the library?

All are welcome at the library, whether or not they are members. However, we do encourage membership for additional benefits and to help support the work that Poets House does.

Can I take books out of the library?

No, Poets House’s collection is non-circulating. But you may spend as much time as you like with the book(s) of your choosing during our open hours.

Are you affiliated with the New York Public Library?

Poets House is a private, not-for-profit organization not affiliated with the public library system. However, we do consider ourselves partners with the NYPL and public libraries across the nation. We do many collaborative initiatives and projects with them, most notably Poetry in The Branches.

Do you publish poetry?

No, but we can direct you to some information about paths to poetry publishing.

Can I hold my book party/wedding/fashion show/reading at Poets House? How much does it cost to hold an event at Poets House?

Yes! We host many types of events. Please see our Literary Partners Program and space rentals.

How did you get this space?

In 2004, when Poets House was actively searching for a permanent site to accommodate its rapidly expanding library, programs, events, and outreach, its longtime partner, Battery Park City Authority, invited Poets House to submit a proposal for designation as a long-term non-profit tenant in a new green building. Poets House was selected as one of three rent-free non-profits and given a long-term lease for an 11,000-square-foot space at 10 River Terrace. Starting in 2005, Poets House embarked on a Capital Campaign to finance building the space and in 2009 achieved its goal.

Where does your funding come from?

Poets House is funded by a diverse range of sources, including membership, individuals, private foundations, corporations, and local, state and federal agencies. Poets House also earns modest but critical income through the classes and workshops we offer, as well as space rentals to organizations for poetry-related events. Our two annual benefit events help us to sustain our operations and ensure that we can keep our doors open to everyone.

Does Poets House hold open mics?

Poets House does not hold open mic events as part of its regular schedule, although Poets House members-only open mics are held from time to time.

What are some other poetry organizations in New York?

A list of literary organizations across New York City and State can be found via the New York State Council for the Arts.

Why is there no apostrophe after Poets in the name Poets House?

According to co-founder poet Stanley Kunitz, “some things must never be possessed but shared.”