THE POETRY LOFT RI is a non-profit literary arts organization based near Providence, Rhode Island, that provide supportive workshops, readings, events, publications, and creative fellowship. Our mission is the sharing and appreciation of writing poetry and prose, supporting writers as they hone their craft, and encouraging excellence and publication in the literary arts. Our vibrant community of writers nurture and inspire each other in the development of their work.
The LOFT is supported by generous donors and the enthusiastic volunteer efforts of poets and writers who join together as partners in the writing life. Our common bond is poetry's greatest treasure -- its transformative power in our lives.


Stay engaged and creative with our virtual workshops via Zoom and onsite venues. Ongoing workshops offer a welcoming and supportive environment for poets and writers to develop their craft and share new works in progress. No cost. Group size is limited to allow for effective feedback and discussion.

GAINS PROGRAM: "Great Authors In Schools" brings celebrated writers and poets into schools for readings and presentations. Sponsored by The Poetry Loft RI. Children and young adult books are distributed free of charge. To learn more, visit www.providencebookfestival.org
The 2019 WRITERS GALA, a night of literary celebrations, was presented by Literary Stars RI and sister nonprofit The Poetry LOFT. Held at the Renaissance Hotel, Providence RI, the GALA featured writers included Marge Piercy, Denise Duhamel, MT Anderson, Richard Russo, Mike Stanton, and Thomas Cobb, among other luminaries.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following writers:
Michael Crowley’s chapbook, Later We All Had a Good Laugh, was published in 2025 by Poetry Loft Press. A book launch was held at a Poetry on the Patio gathering in Cranston, hosted by The Poetry Loft. Michael makes the ordinary into something artful. —Thomas Chandler.
Wit and wisdom rule in Crowley‘s fine collection.— James Cronin
James Cronin's second full length book, The Mortal Angels, published in Sept. 2024, is available for sale. His first collection, World of Shadows (Poetry Loft Press), is also available for sale on Amazon.
The Mortal Angels suffuses traditional forms with lyrical music and a broad range of illusions … all with philosophical aplomb and erudite wit. — Tina Cane, RI Poet Laureate Emeritus
Diana Cole's full length poetry collection, Between Selves, published by Indian press cyberwit.net in 2023, is available for sale. Her chapbook, Songs by Heart, is also available from cyberwit.net.
Ira Schaeffer won the Loft Chapbook Award for Summer Drowning (Poetry Loft Press, 2015) judged by Jane Lunin Perel. Schaeffer won first place in the 2016 Galway Kinnell poetry contest sponsored by the Pawtucket Arts Panel for his poems "Basic Training" and "Walking the Steere Hill Preserve." Ira's poem "Primavera" was nominated for a Pushcart Prize by Origami Poets Project in 2014.
Sandra Moran's chapbook Caught in the Open, a finalist for the LOFT Chapbook Award, was published by the Poetry Loft Press, 2016. Caught in the Open is elegant and edgy, and Moran a master of poetic slippage as she explores the lives of the forgotten and disenfranschised, the violated and the vulnerable." ~Catherine Imbriglio, Brown University instructor.
Beatrice Lazarus was honored to read from her book, Lay Bare the Canvas: New England Poetry and Art, at the Longfellow House, Boston, hosted by the New England Poetry Club. (Beatrice Lazarus, editor; Poetry Loft Press).
Adele Bourne's book Tide Roaring In has been published by Kelsay Books, 2016. Available on Amazon.
Karen Haskell won second place for her poem in the 2015 Galway Kinnell poetry contest judged by RI State Poet Laureate Rick Benjamin, and Lisa Starr. Her chapbook, Sixty Years, was published by Finishing Line Press.
Judy Gamble's ekphrastic poetry has appeared in the Poetry and Art book published by the Wickford Art Association.
"Poets and Players" : A book launch sponsored by The Poetry Loft to celebrate the publication of chapbooks by Karen Haskell (Sixty Years, Finishing Line Press) and Sandra Moran (Caught in the Open, Poetry Loft Press). Featuring a staged reading of Analgesia, (Ars Medica, University of Toronto Press) a one act play by James Celenza, at the William Hall Library, Cranston RI.







Your support and contributions will enable us to fund our ongoing programs, and keep the lights on. Donations are greatly appreciated!

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