Baltimore has a rich literary history and tradition. While Edgar Allen Poe and H.L. Mencken have been mythologized, we are a city of many diverse voices who lead the world in intellectual and creative talent. Institutions like The Enoch Pratt Free Library and organizations like the CityLit Project are manifestations of our respect for these voices and commitment to the written word. The two organizations have joined to present the CityLit Festival -Reimagined: a virtual celebration of the literary arts. This year’s Festival is a month-long engagement, which kicks off this evening with Jenny Offill and Emily St. John Mandel. Premier poets and writers are featured throughout with special events each week and a daylong event on March 20, 2021. Other big names you won't want to miss include Terrance Hayes, Nikky Finney, and George Saunders.
The event attracts readers and writers alike. In fact, the Writer’s Room is a new Festival highlight for those writers who wish to engage further with the featured authors about their craft through informal, face-to-face Zoom conversation. It is a special opportunity to hear the guest artists discuss different aspects of writing including questions about craft, research, the writing process, challenges, and questions about publication.
CityLit Project nurtures the culture of literature, creates enthusiasm for the literary arts, connects a community of avid readers and writers, and designs opportunities for diverse audiences to embrace the literary arts. CityLit is noted for its three signature events, the CityLit Stage at Brilliant Baltimore, the CityLit Studio: Writers on Craft, Creativity & Community, and the CityLit Festival each spring.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library, the nation’s first free library system, opened its doors in 1886, as a result of the generosity and imagination of businessman and philanthropist Enoch Pratt. Mr. Pratt envisioned a public library where “races, ages, and socio-economic classes mingled and people could educate themselves – without cost,” and his passionate belief continues to guide the organization.
The Festival bookseller is The Ivy Bookshop, a frequent partner of GBCA and its Baker Artist Portfolios. The Festival is FREE with the exception of the One-on-One Editorial Sessions ($10 each). Pre Registration is required for all events including the free Master Class and Joy in Grief workshop. For more information and to register for events, visit https://www.citylitproject.org/events/ or prattlibrary.org.
Be sure to take advantage of this exciting opportunity,
Jeannie
