Poetry
2026 schedule
May 26 - September 15
(no events June 23 + 30)
Tuesdays, 6pm-7:15pm
We are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved poetry series to the park for summer 2026! Discover award-winning poetry at Bryant Park's Reading Room from both established and emerging poets at these free reading events that feed the soul without breaking the bank. Expand your perspective, explore new voices, and find your next favorite poet. All are always welcome!
Books will be available for purchase during each event.
Hosted by Jason Schneiderman, acclaimed poet
May 26: Arden Levine, Chet'la Sebree, Darrel Alejandro Holnes, and Monica Ferrell
June 2: A Celebration of Sonnets with Dora Malech and Phillis Levin
June 9: Anne Marie Macari, Francisco Aragon, Maggie Dietz, and Yanyi
June 16: Poets from Four Way Books with Hannah Matheson
July 7: A Tribute to Robert Hayden with Iain Haley Pollack and Nathan McClain
July 14: J. Brooke, Nicole Santalucia, Phillip Schultz, and R.A. Villanueva
July 21: Adrian Matejka and Elizabeth Scanlon
July 28: Beth Ann Fennelly, David Baker, Maya C. Popa, and Owen Lewis
August 4: David Groff, Kazim Ali, Martha Rhodes, and Richard Smith
August 11: Allison Joseph, Brendan Constantine, Erica Lewis, and Stephen Mills
August 18: Amy Dryansky, Dan Tobin, Ethel Rackin, and Steven Kleinman
August 25: A Tribute to Larry Levis with Debra Allbery and John Skoyles
September 1: A Celebration of Poetry and Healing with Danielle Ofri and Thomas Dooley
September 8: Poets from Sibling Rivalry Press with Bryan Borland
September 15: Chelsea Whitton, Dilruba Ahmed, Matt Yaeger, and Sahar Muradi
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Tue. June 16, 2026
at 6:00pmPoetry: Isabella DeSendi, Laura Cresté, Peggy Robles-Alvarado, and Ricardo Alberto Maldonado
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Tue. July 14, 2026
at 6:00pmPoetry: J Brooke, Nicole Santalucia, Philip Schultz, and R.A. Villanueva
- It's one of Bryant Park’s most historic amenities. It originally began in 1935 during the Great Depression as a public service, and was revived by Bryant Park Corporation in 2003.
- It's a casual, family-friendly, open-air space for readers of all ages!
- It hosts literary events and writers workshops all summer long.
- It provides free-to-read periodicals and books for visitors every day from 11am-7pm.
- It's award-winning! The Reading Room has received numerous awards for demonstrating excellence, partnership, and creativity in enhancing New York City's quality of life.
Look for the yellow umbrellas on the north side of the park near the 42nd Street plaza.
Open daily, April to September, 11am-7pm to lend books, magazines, and newspapers for reading in the park.
Reading Room is open to all ages, and kids are welcome!
Find reading material for kids in their own colorful rack or join us for StoryTime.
Follow @bryantparknyc for day-of event updates
Visit our calendar for all upcoming events, including author talks, history panels, writers workshops, and much more!
