Whether you are looking to revise your work or show off some previously-published gems, you’ll want to attend the Words on Fire Open Mic for ninety minutes of creative energy, happening monthly in the William Hall Library Auditorium. This is an 18+ event. 

Test-drive your in-progress work in front of a live audience or just come for the show as writers share their poems, stories (true and fictional), essays, or excerpts from their great American novels.

No experience necessary! All you need is a little courage and the ability to offer support to fellow creatives. 

Words on Fire Open Mic meets on the first Wednesday of each month unless otherwise noted. Separate registration for each month’s meeting is required.

Free and open to the public. Registration required by using the button below or contact the library for assistance.

Please read the Rules of Engagement before signing up:

• Registration is required
• Audience members who don’t intend to read are welcome
• Readers must be 18 or older
• Readers should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to event start time to check in
• Each reader will have 5 minutes maximum to read (adjustments may be made for overflow crowds)
• Readings will be strictly timed
• Readers can ask for optional audience feedback after their reading (2 minutes maximum)
• Writing must be audience-friendly, suitable for reading in a public space, and must not include excessive profanity or any slurs or hate speech directed at any particular group or individual
• Bring extra writing with you—additional rounds will be allowed once everyone has had a chance to read

Questions? Contact Zach Berger at zach@cranstonlibrary.org or call 401-781-2450

Co-Host Zach Berger is the William Hall Branch Librarian and has had a lifelong interest in writing poetry and pursuing other creative adventures. He curates and records the weekly On the Line with CPL "dial-a-poem" program and has had a couple of poems published here and there.

Co-Host Ira Schaeffer is long-time poet and resident of Rhode Island, who has been widely published in a variety  of print and e-publications. A former CCRI  English Prof., Ira continues to share his love of the written word by leading workshops in local libraries and centers for lifelong learning.