Marin Poetry Center

Building Bridges 
To Poetry

The mission of Marin Poetry Center is to nurture the enjoyment of poetry and the craft of writing throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Our members are the vitality of our organization. We believe in the power of poetry to bear witness, reach hearts and souls, teach compassion, empathy, and justice, and create a common language for positive social change.

Our Commitment
To Justice

Marin Poetry Center opposes racism and oppression in all forms. We stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and with all those speaking and acting in opposition to state-sanctioned violence.
We will continue ongoing efforts to diversify our programming, reach out to underrepresented communities for new members and audience, and support local charitable organizations. Additionally, starting now we intend to apply the lens of anti-racism to our internal practices, policies and programming with a goal towards increasing diversity and inclusivity in all areas.

Nurturing Poetry
In the Bay Area

MPC was founded in 1981 by a dedicated group of Northern California poets as a non-profit organization whose mission is to nurture the enjoyment of poetry and the craft of writing throughout the Bay Area. We are based in Marin County but are expanding throughout the Bay Area.
We welcome new poets, established writers, and anyone interested in the art of poetry from any location.
Join Us

Programs 
& Events

Marin Poetry Center organizes, hosts, and supports many diverse programs and activities for our members’ and the public’s enjoyment.
Regular readings and workshops feature nationally recognized poets. Annually, we offer our Marin High School Poetry Contest, our esteemed Marin Poetry Center Anthology, and the popular Summer Traveling Show, a roving series that showcases our members’ poetry in fun group readings all summer long.

Marin Poetry Center News

May 19, 2023
Interview–– Francesca Bell, Marin County Poetry Laureate

We are delighted to announce the selection of the newest Marin County Poet Laureate for 2023-2025: Francesca Bell!

May 17, 2023
2023 Member Anthology

MPC Members’ Anthology for 2023 opens up May 1st, accepting submissions until June 30th, 2023.

May 1, 2023
Poets for Science

Mill Valley Library and Marin Poetry Center are pleased to present a local version of Poets for Science, originally developed by the Wick Poetry Center and curated by Jane Hirshfield.

More News

Upcoming Events

No event found!

Membership Information

Marin Poetry Center welcomes poets and lovers of poetry from all backgrounds and values diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We are committed to being an organization in which every member, regardless of ability, age, class, education, ethnicity, gender identity, geographic location, immigration status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and additional or overlapping identities, feels valued, respected, and included. With the collective and individual talents, skills, and perspectives of members, constituent groups, and partners we strive to foster a culture of belonging, collaborative practice, innovation, and mutual respect as we explore, create, and appreciate poetry together.
View Membership Benefits and Join Us