Library Services
At Poets House, poets and poetry lovers can listen to poetry on tape, watch a poetry video, or read and write in a space dedicated to them. An extensive network of support services includes reference materials, typewriters, low-cost photocopying and the help of a professional staff. An active bulletin board and material from literary organizations around the country make Poets House a clearinghouse for information about poetry and poetry resources.
Extent of the Collection
Focusing on contemporary American poetry, the collection includes virtually all books published in the United States during the past decade; the greatest possible range of poetry published during the last century (in English or in bilingual editions); and representative volumes of the poetry of all times and places.
We also have alternate editions of important works, multiple translations, biography, criticism, and prose works by poets.
Special Collections–Literary Journals
One of the first things any visitor to Poets House sees is our extensive, ongoing, revolving display of current literary journals. Maddeningly various, frequently short-lived or irregularly published, literary journals are the bloodstream of American poetry. At Poets House, one can find thousands of literary journals, many of them in complete runs, some of them dating back to the early part of the century. While the oldest issues must be requested in advance, current issues are kept in a prominent display. For information on how to donate a literary journal, click here.
Special Collections–Chapbooks
One of the most comprehensive and various chapbook collections available anywhere can be found at Poets House. It includes early work by many of the best known poets writing today, mature work not yet published in book form, and the first publications of emerging writers from around the country. The chapbook collection is a miniature laboratory of poetry production, including everything from homemade booklets to fine arts press publications.
Special Collections–Multimedia Archive
The Axe-Houghton Multimedia Archive includes recordings of live events spanning half a century from a range of literary venues including the Academy of American Poets, Biblio's/Mad Alex, Cross-Cultural Communications, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and the Poetry Project at St. Mark's Church. It includes videotapes from the Lannan Literary Voices series and Mystic Fire Videos; CDs from Mouth Almighty and Harvard University; CD-Roms from Columbia, Norton and Holt; as well as audio recordings from over twelve years of programming at Poets House.
Poets House Children's Room
Designed for ages four to ten, this intimate reading room features poetry books for children and a whimsically-designed setting in which to read them. Kid-sized stools and bookshelves, plush carpeting and pillows provide a comfortable space where youngsters can make themselves at home among words. The Children’s Room’s collection, containing work by the world’s most renowned writers, is open to all children accompanied by an adult on Saturdays, 11am-1pm. In addition, children-oriented poetry programs, from readings to writing workshops, are held throughout the year.
Exhibit Space
An expansion in 2001 allows us to exhibit gems from our collection—from small press publishing's poetry ephemera to book arts treasures. |
