Welcome to Writers & Books

A Home for Readers & Writers

Writers & Books offers writing workshops, youth programs, literary events, and creative retreats for readers and writers throughout our community.

What’s Happening

Our Events

Legacy Writing

Hold On to This for Me: a Joe Flaherty Legacy Writing Workshop | June

Jun 13, 2026 1:00 pm

A personal, impactful, one-of-a-kind creative aging experience Led by Ren VanMeenen Irondequoit Public Library – 1290 Titus Ave,…

Workshops & Master Classes

The Poet Speaks: An Intergenerational Workshop

Jun 13, 2026 3:00 pm

with Amanda Eke The Poet Speaks presents an immersive, intergenerational poetry workshop inviting participants of all ages to…

Workshops & Master Classes

Self Publishing 101

Jun 17, 2026 7:00 pm

with Erin Dionne and Nancy Werlin Take control of your writing life. Traditional publishing is in crisis. Corporate…

SummerWrite

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.

For Young Writers

Our Youth Programs

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.