Poet Laureate Simon Armitage is set to continue his 10-year library tour across the UK, focusing on libraries from L to M in the next phase of his journey.
Each spring for the next decade, Armitage will hold readings in libraries throughout the UK, ranging from major cultural hubs to small rural libraries. His tour follows an alphabetical route.
The next leg of the tour will run from March 3 to 11, 2025, marking the halfway point of the project. During this period, Armitage will give a series of free live poetry readings, with special guest appearances at each location.
The L to M Libraries Tour will begin at Library@theGrange in Blackpool, the town’s smallest library. Armitage will visit a variety of libraries throughout the week, including Letchworth Library, Morriston Hospital Library in Swansea, Liskeard Library in Cornwall, and Belfast’s historic Linen Hall Library. He will also return to Marsden Library, located in his hometown in Yorkshire, where he will read from Magnetic Field: The Marsden Poems (Faber).
In Blackpool, Armitage will be joined by spoken-word artist and playwright Toria Garbutt. In Letchworth, he will perform with Barbican Young Poet, Cia Mangat. At Morriston Hospital Library, Armitage will be accompanied by Menna Elfyn, the former Poet Laureate for the Children of Wales.
The tour will also feature winners from Liskeard Library’s local poetry competition, who will read alongside Armitage and poet Pascale Petit. Petit’s work has received major awards, including the RSL Ondaatje Prize and the Laurel Prize for eco-poetry. The tour will conclude on March 11 with a reading featuring poet Leontia Flynn.
Armitage shared, “My love for reading and writing started in the village library where I grew up, followed by visits to town libraries and libraries at various places of study and work. I want to honor these invaluable institutions. By planning readings for up to ten years ahead, I am optimistic about the future of libraries and hope to challenge those who might consider closing them.”
Details about the tour and how to book tickets are available online. The events are free, but booking in advance is required.
Related Topics