Poetry Coffeehouse
Join us for an open-mic night. You are invited to read an original poem of your own or just sit back and enjoy.
Poetry during the first hour is typically suitable for poets of all ages. After the midpoint, some poems may have adult themes not suitable for all listeners.
Upcoming Poetry Coffeehouse Nights:
- January 30, 2026 @ 6:30 pm. Theme: Lost & Found
- June 26, 2026 @ 6:30 pm. Theme: TBA
Annual Poetry Contest & Coffeehouse Awards Night:
The annual Poetry Contest is held each year, with entries collected in March and the winners announced at the April Poetry Coffeehouse Night.
2026 Poetry Awards Coffeehouse Night:
- April 24, 2026 @ 6:30 pm. Theme: In a Pickle
Annual Poetry Contest
Submissions window closes April 1 for the 2026 Poetry Contest!
Thank you to the wonderful Friends of the Library for donating our prizes. The theme for 2026 is In a Pickle.
Writing Workshops
Elaine Person leads an adult writing workshop to improve your poetry and prose. The workshop is held monthly on the third Sunday at 3:30 p.m., with additional sessions throughout the year. Upcoming workshop dates can be found on our calendar.
Maitland Writers Group
(subsidiary of the Florida Writers Association)
As the local chapter for the Florida Writers Association, the MWG meets monthly so that writers can help writers. Meetings often feature a presenter as well as the opportunity for members to improve their writing. Meets on the second Thursday of each month, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This program is presented by a community group and is neither sponsored or endorsed by MPL.
Florida State Poets Association
The Orlando Area Poets, the local chapter of the Florida State Poets Association, meets monthly on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your poetry for some peer criticism and become both a better and more involved poet! This program is presented by a community group and is neither sponsored nor endorsed by MPL.