Hello, storytellers! Welcome to Elgin Writes, a monthly e-newsletter featuring local writing events, writerly news, and poetry from community members!

This newsletter is curated by Aron Ryan, Elgin Poet Laureate. Questions or suggestions? Reach out to Aron (he/they) at arondanteryan@gmail.com

Looking to support the Elgin Poet Laureate Project? If you'd like to request a poet laureate visit, fund future poet laureates, or volunteer on the Elgin Poet Laureate Project Board, please email elginpoetlaureateproject@gmail.com

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise specified.

Image Source: Side Street Studio Arts

Showcase your poetry, stories, art, music, and more at our community showcase! Led by Aron Ryan, Elgin Poet Laureate.

Every month, we'll celebrate a new theme. Monday September 9th's theme is Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Writers, musicians, artists, and creators can either register in advance or drop by to perform your work - whether it's part of the theme, or something totally different! You're also welcome to read a poem by a favorite Hispanic/Latinx poet of your choosing.

Doors open at 7pm 

Showcase begins at 7:30pm 

Anyone is welcome to come and watch for a $5 suggested donation.

Image Source: Side Street Studio Arts

Everyone gets at least fifteen minutes of fame. We can give you seven. Play music, tell some jokes, dance, do a puppet show - or anything else during your 7 minute performance.  Open Mic is held every third Wednesday of the month.

Doors open at 7pm.  | Performances start at 7:30.

Free to perform.

Sign up in advance: https://bit.ly/SSSAOpenMic

$5 suggested donation to watch.

Image Source: Elgin Pride

All are welcome to read and discuss LGBTQ+ literature. This month's book is The Skin and Its Girl, a novel by Sarah Cypher. Hosted by Aron Ryan (he/they) at Gail Borden Public Library (main library location). We meet in the Grove Room on the second floor. Swing by the library for queer books and queer community.