What’s Happening

Our Events

Poetry Festival

Flower City Poetry Fest 2026 | June 10

Jun 10, 2026 6:00 pm
Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY…
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Poetry Festival

Flower City Poetry Fest 2026 | June 11

Jun 11, 2026 6:00 pm
Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607…
Read More
Poetry Festival

Flower City Poetry Fest 2026 | June 12

Jun 12, 2026 6:00 pm
Highland Bowl, 1137 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620 Rain Venue: Third Presbyterian Church: 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY…
Read More

Academy for Young Magicals (Formerly Hogwarts Academy) | Ages: 8 – 14 – Copy

July 27, 2026

9:00 am

Immerse yourself in a world of magic as Writers & Books’ three-story building transforms into the Academy for Young Magicals!

Alex Sanchez | RAINBOW BOYS (VIRTUAL)

September 30, 2026

7:00 pm

Reading: 7 PMVirtual Event The author will be in conversation with author Linda Sue Park Join us for the 25th

Alex Sanchez | RAINBOW BOYS 25th Anniversary

September 30, 2026

6:30 pm

Doors: 6:30 PM | Reading: 7 PMThis hybrid event takes place at Writers & Books (740 University Ave, Rochester NY)

Celebrating 25 Years of Community Reading

Rochester Reads: 25th Anniversary

A Program of Writers and Books

Omar El Akkad & Sonja Livingston
Keynote Address & Conversation
Tuesday, November 10, 7PM
St. John Fisher University, Cleary Family Auditorium

RSVP now to be notified when tickets to the Keynote and Reception become available.

Learn & Create

Writing Workshops

Adult Workshops

Writing classes led by professional authors and educators, offered year-round in person and online.

Legacy Writing

Reflect on your life, preserve family history, and share stories through guided writing workshops designed for older adults.

Weekly Writing

Free weekly gatherings for writers to share work, explore prompts, and write in community.

Write and Be

Gell Creative Retreat Center

A Creative Retreat in the Finger Lakes
Nestled in the Bristol Hills of New York’s Finger Lakes region, the Gell Creative Retreat offers writers and artists a peaceful place for reflection, creative solitude, and personal renewal. Surrounded by wooded trails, rolling meadows, and a spring-fed stream, the retreat provides an inspiring setting to focus on new work, gather in meaningful retreat, and reconnect with the natural world.
Support Writers & Books
Your support helps Writers & Books provide workshops, youth programs, literary events, and creative opportunities throughout our community.

Rent & Book Our Spaces

Host your meeting, workshop, or retreat at Writers & Books. Our University Avenue headquarters and the Gell Creative Retreat offer inspiring places to gather and create.