Writing and Poetry

Calligraphy pen writing in elegant script

Maitland Public Library regularly sponsors writing and poetry programs.

Poetry

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:

Annual Poetry Contest!

Congratulations to our winners of the 2025 Annual Poetry Contest! Thank you to the wonderful Friends of the Library for donating our prizes. The theme for 2025 was, "That Rings a Bell."

Watch this space for information about the 2026 Annual Poetry Contest. The theme will be announced at our next Poetry Coffeehouse, January 30, 2026.

 

 

Kindergarten - Second Grade

Ben Bumby, 2nd grade - First Place

Olive Cross, 1st grade - Second Place

Caroline Wurtzel, 2nd grade - Third Place

Victoria Fernandez, Kindergarten - Honorable Mention

Hayden Hernandez, 1st Grade - Honorable Mention

Syndney Loughran, 2nd Grade - Honorable Mention

Third - Fourth Grade

Lillian Smith, 3rd Grade - 1st Place

Kaitlyn Hobbs, 4th Grade - 2nd Place

Ivy Gendron. 3rd Grade - 3rd Place

London Burke, 3rd Grade - Honorable Mention

Klara Froom, 3rd Grade - Honorable Mention

Aristotle Goldfried, 3rd Grade - Honorable Mention

Maria Pengelly, 3rd Grade - Honorable Mention

Fifth - Seventh Grade

Tarini Narayan-Saran, 5th Grade - 1st Place

Maya Troutman, 7th Grade - 2nd Place

Aren Eckmen, 5th Grade - 3rd Place

Rowan Eastwood, 6th Grade - Honorable Mention

Althea Gulden, 5th Grade - Honorable Mention

Beatrix Tilly, 6th Grade - Honorable Mention

Eighth - Twelfth Grade

Charlotte Lightman, 11th Grade - 1st Place

Carys Horve, 10th Grade - 2nd Place

Luke Cagle, 8th Grade - 3rd Place 

Victoria Fernandes, 8th Grade - Honorable Mention

Aniya Smith, 11th Grade - Honorable Mention

Adults

Just Another Day by Kathryn Schmeiser, First Place
Unpackaged by Laura Rutherford, Second Place
That Rings a [New Year’s] Bell by Suzanne Austin-Hill, Third Place
Ode to Curtis Husband by Jessica Captain, Honorable Mention
Ivy by Laura Robinson, Honorable Mention
 

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.