Tuesday, 30 September 2025

National Poetry Library newsletter

 With thanks to The Southbank Centre:

 

The next chapter



As autumn begins to settle in, a vibrant season awaits us at the National Poetry Library, including events in this year’s London Literature Festival, our upcoming Special Edition series, creative workshops and online poetry showcases.


Drift into autumn



A poem selected by Sonia Hope, a Librarian at the National Poetry Library.

Hushed is the buzz of the noisy world

by George Gissing

Hushed is the buzz of the noisy world,

Gently each bird to its home is flitting,

The flags o’er the sun’s bright path are furled,

Soon will each flower with the dew be pearled

As asleep it lies unwitting.

Spell-bound is the ever-whispering air,

For, gazing aloft where the stars are peeping

In this holy silence everywhere

Tired Nature speaks in a fervent prayer

To Him who protects her sleeping.



A deep dive

A selection of books at the National Poetry Library Open Day

Poetry Day!

SAT 25 OCT

The National Poetry Library’s annual poetry day features readings and a workshop, and shows off the collection’s hidden gems.

Join the library today

Gain access to the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world – for free!


London Literature Festival


Group of people in various outfits laughing and enjoying each other's company

Poetic Unity

SAT 25 OCT

Come and see some of the best poets in the UK from the Poetic Unity community perform live and share stunning spoken word visuals.

Simon Armitage standing in front of a wall in a red shirt.

An Afternoon with Simon Armitage

SAT 25 OCT

Join us for an afternoon of readings and conversation with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage as he presents his major new poetry collection, New Cemetery.

This event is Speech-to-Text transcribed.

A person with curly hair wearing a button up jumper looking to the right and smiling

Modern Poetry in Translation at 60

WED 29 OCT

One of our most vital poetry publications marks six decades of publishing work that deals truthfully with the contemporary world, with readings and poetry from Gaza.

Sixteen people pose for a photo, some crouching and others standing and all smiling

New Poets Collective Showcase

SAT 1 NOV

Be drawn into a world of exploration and experimentation as the 2024/25 collective – known as ‘The Peekists’ – share their creativity and approach to writing.


Special Edition

Artist speaking at the microphone at an event wearing glasses and a black turtleneck top

Special Edition: Alchemy – Changing Perspectives

WED 5 NOV

Young poets shake the air with their stories and truths, combining their words with music of their own creation.


Fran Lock, a woman with her blond hair pulled back and shaved at the sides, looks down whilst reading from their TS Eliot Prize shortlisted collection against a black background

Special Edition: Culture Matters

WED 26 NOV

Dive into an event hosted by the working-class collective Culture Matters, featuring poetry readings from Amir Darwish, Fran Lock and Nick Moss.

Erica Hesketh wearing a colourful jumper and glasses.

Special Edition: Red Bean Poetry

WED 3 DEC

Prize-winning poets of Asian heritage read from their latest work, exploring the meaning of art, art-making, pivotal memories and transformations in life.


Iris Colomb holding a string of scrunched up paper balls.

Iris Colomb Workshop

SAT 22 NOV

Get creative in this workshop with the artist behind our poetry exhibition Try! Try! Try! Again!, and revel in the unpredictability of poetic outcomes.


Online showcases


Multicoloured doors of the poetry archive at the NPL, Southbank Centre.

Online Showcase: Where to Next with Poetry?

WED 12 NOV

Looking for ways to develop your poetry? Join us online to meet poets who have been part of groups and collectives that have helped them hone their craft.

Artwork of two deckchairs in a park.

Online Showcase: Poetry and Health

WED 19 NOV

Join us for an event bringing together healthcare professionals and patients who use poetry to positively impact lives.


National Poetry Library at Southbank Centre

Access our ebooks

Did you know you can borrow poetry ebooks for free, without having to leave your home? Just sign up for a free membership to explore our collections, and start borrowing!


Poetry treats


A picture of Poetry Is Not A Luxury anthology.

Poetry for every season

A beautiful anthology guiding readers through life’s cycles, from the joy and love of summer to autumn’s warmth, winter’s reflection and spring’s celebration of new beginnings.


Southbank Centre logo

Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoyed your specially selected highlights. Share your comments and photos with us by mentioning @southbankcentre or @haywardgallery.




Southbank Centre is a charity registered in England and Wales No.298909. Registered office: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

Arts Council England

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