Kentucky Writers’ Day
Celebrating Literary Artists
Kentucky Writers’ Day is 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.
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.
Events
Celebrate Kentucky Writers’ Day
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
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.
Paul Sawyier Public Library
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
River Room
Paul Sawyier Public Library
319 Wapping St.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Schedule
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.
