Kentucky Writers’ Day
Kentucky Writers’ Day
A celebration of literary artists in the commonwealth. On or around April 24 each year, citizens devoted to the literary arts gather to hear readings by Kentucky’s poets laureate. In odd-numbered years, a new Poet Laureate is inducted as part of the Kentucky Writers’ Day Ceremony.
Left:
Image of Robert Penn Warren
Right Column:
History of Kentucky Writers’ Day
The Kentucky General Assembly established Kentucky Writers’ Day in 1990 to honor Kentucky’s strong literary tradition and to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Kentucky native Robert Penn Warren, who was born on April 24, 1905, in Guthrie (Todd County), Kentucky. Robert Penn Warren was named the first U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry in 1986 and winner of three Pulitzer prizes.
1-2 sentences summary of poet laureate position. Visit the poet laureate page for more information.
Events
Celebrate Kentucky Writers’ Day
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Kentucky Writers’ Day Celebration
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Brown-Forman Kentucky Room
Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
100 W. Broadway St.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Get Directions – link to 100 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601
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Schedule
| Opening Ceremony Readings by Silas House, Kentucky Poet Laureate 2023-2024, and former poets laureate Richard Taylor, Joe Survant, Sena Jeter Naslund, Maureen Morehead, Frank X Walker, George Ella Lyon, Jeff Worley and Crystal Wilkinson. |
10:00 a.m. |
| Public Reception Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and conversation with Kentucky writers. |
11:00 a.m. |
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Paul Sawyier Public Library Continues the Celebration
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
River Room
Paul Sawyier Public Library
319 Wapping St.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Get Directions – link to https://maps.app.goo.gl/DK1ypKeMCC7Lmy3Q8
Right:
| Continue the Celebration | 1:00 p.m. |
Celebrate With Your Community
The Kentucky Arts Council encourages those interested in celebrating Kentucky Writers’ Day, but unable to attend the ceremony in Frankfort, to create their own event. Consult the Writers’ Day Planning Guide for ideas suitable for schools, colleges and universities, organizations, businesses, writing and reading groups, community centers, nursing homes and senior centers, and state and local agencies.
Kentucky Writers’ Day activities are free and open to the public.
Readings by Kentucky Poets Laureates