A gathering for poets, writers, and lovers of language.
The Durham Poetry Parlor was a free gathering held at Durham County Main Library on Sunday, June 14th, 2026. An event where poets, writers, and lovers of language met to discuss poetry, exchange ideas, and build community through conversation.
“It was so much fun to read my poem with someone and genuinely see their interest when they read it.“
– Taylor M.
Chosen at random, the poets were divided into groups of one-on-one and traded poems with one another, going over what worked for them and what didn’t. The goal wasn’t to critique, but to engage with another poet’s work and grow through community.
What next?
The Durham Poetry Parlor has found a new home.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared your work, and helped build this community. What began as a local poetry parlor has now become part of something larger.
Rather than closing, the Durham Poetry Parlor has merged with The Poetry & Prose Parlor, an expanded literary community serving readers, writers, poets, and book lovers throughout North Carolina’s Triangle.
The spirit of the Parlor remains the same: thoughtful conversation, shared writing, and a celebration of the written word.