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

Coming Soon! The 2026 Annual Poetry Contest! Thank you to the wonderful Friends of the Library for donating our prizes. The theme will be announced at our next Poetry Coffeehouse, January 30, 2026.

 

 

Status message

We will begin accepting poetry contest submissions on March 1. All submissions must be made by 11:59 pm on April 1.

Contest Rules

The poem must be:

  • Original: An original piece, of your own authorship without assistance of AI.
  • Thematic: Ensure it fits this year’s theme, TBA.
  • 1 page or less: Poetry length of no more than one page.
  • Typed: Handwritten poems will not be accepted.
  • In a 12-point font: Pick a single, legible font, e.g. Calibri, Times New Roman, Georgia, etc.
  • At least 1″ margins: Ensure your document has a margin setting of at least 1 inch.
  • 1 entry per person
  • Maitland Public Library staff, board members, and their households are welcome to enter, however they are ineligible to place.
  • Graphic elements such as clip art and original drawings will not be printed or included in the poetry contest booklet.

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.