Poetry Foundation Library
About the Library
The Midwest’s only library dedicated exclusively to poetry, the Poetry Foundation Library exists to promote the reading of poetry in the general public, and to support the editorial needs of all Poetry Foundation programs and staff. Visitors to the library may browse a collection of 30,000 volumes, experience audio and video recordings in private listening booths, and view exhibits of poetry related materials. In addition to providing public access to its collections in the form of a reading room, the library creates interactive programs to inspire a wider readership for poetry in readers of all ages. Learn more about using the library.
The Collection
The origins of the library are in the working collection of Poetry magazine, amassed during its nearly one hundred year history. Titles originally sent to the magazine for review or collected to serve editorial needs now comprise a distinctive collection of the poetry of the past century.
The library’s current collection aims to present the best poetry, in English or in translation, of the modern and contemporary era, as well as including representative selections of the major poetic works of all eras.
The collection contains individual author monographs, anthologies, journals, rare and limited editions, broadsides, chapbooks, criticism, audio recordings, and prose works by poets. A children’s collection, made up almost exclusively of donations by former Children’s Poet Laureates Jack Prelutsky and Mary Anne Hoberman, and current Children’s Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis, contains a range of titles to engage young readers.
Accessing Titles in Special Collections
Titles held in special collections may be viewed by the public during the library’s daytime hours of operation, by prior arrangement. Patrons will be asked to leave one form of identification (a driver’s license or state ID) with library staff during the duration of time spent with special collections material. Patrons may be asked to wear gloves while handling certain titles. Patrons are typically only able to view one item from special collections at a time.
Prior approval must be obtained from the Librarian in order to photograph materials in special collections. Ink of any kind is not permitted for use with special collections materials. Materials may not be removed from the library’s main reading room.
Donation Policy
Due to space considerations, the Poetry Foundation Library does not generally accept donations from individuals. The library does consider exceptional titles on a case by case basis. Please contact the Librarian if you are interested in discussing a potential donation. Please note that the library does not typically collect self-published or author-subsidized publications.
Publications sent to Poetry magazine for review may be added to the Poetry Foundation Library’s collection at the discretion of the Librarian.
Learn more about our donation and selection policies.
Field Trips
The Library welcomes K-12 class visits on Mondays. Students participate in interactive activities that enhance their understanding of poetry. Please contact the librarian at library@poetryfoundation.org to arrange a free class visit.
Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 11-4
Wednesday 10 - 5 (Children and guardians only)
On select evenings, the library remains open until 6 PM. You may visit the library until 6 on the following dates:
January 6
January 25
February 10
February 23
April 12
Contact
To contact the Librarian, please email library@poetryfoundation.org or call 312.799.8057
