Readers & Writers

Established in 1990, Readers & Writers serves low-income populations that have limited access to writers and a diverse range of literary culture. Working with these groups, Readers & Writers aims to inspire both adults and children to read more regularly and more critically, and to encourage them to explore writers from various cultures and regions. Each year the program sends 60 authors and their books to literacy programs, community centers, schools, and other sites nationwide, reaching out to Americans who can read but may not have a relationship with literature.

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Our annual series of author readings, panels, and on-stage conversations designed to reach and teach high school students.

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Teens are nominated for the opportunity to work on creative writing skills under the guidance of professional writers and instructors, away from their accustomed school environment.

*Note: We are now accepting applications.*

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We host workshops in which students work closely with authors to learn more about literature and the writing life.

We offer public schools complimentary tickets to PEN forums and events.

All Revolutions Are Local
May 18, 2010 | Midtown Manhattan | NYC

With Coe Booth, Wesley Brown, Rachel McKibbens, and Saïd Sayrafiezadeh

Stories of unrest vary: the personal awakening becomes a tale of social upheaval; the story of a civil uprising becomes a study of the human mind at work. A panel of authors discusses writing with the revolutionary spirit—challenging readers to think beyond the established order and envision transformations.

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