Kentucky Writers' Day
A celebration of literary artists in the commonwealth

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Brown-Forman Kentucky Room
Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
100 W. Broadway St.
Frankfort, Ky.

(all times listed below are Eastern)

10 a.m. | Kentucky Writers' Day Ceremony, Brown-Forman Kentucky Room
Readings by Silas House, Kentucky Poet Laureate 2023-2024, and former poets laureate Richard Taylor, Joe Survant, Sena Jeter Naslund, Maureen Morehead, Frank X Walker, George Ella Lyon, Jeff Worley and Crystal Wilkinson.

11 a.m. | Public Reception, Brown-Forman Kentucky Room
Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and conversation with Kentucky writers.

Create a Kentucky Writers’ Day Event in Your Community
The Kentucky Arts Council encourages those interested in celebrating Kentucky Writers’ Day, but unable to attend the ceremony in Frankfort, to create their own event. Consult the Writers’ Day Planning Guide for ideas suitable for schools, colleges and universities, organizations, businesses, writing and reading groups, community centers, nursing homes and senior centers, and state and local agencies.

Kentucky Writers’ Day activities are free and open to the public.

1 p.m. | Paul Sawyier Public Library Continues the Celebration
River Room
Paul Sawyier Public Library
319 Wapping St.
Frankfort, Ky.

The position of Kentucky Poet Laureate was originally established in 1926 by an act of the Kentucky General Assembly. James T. "Cotton" Noe was selected for the position. Poets laureate were appointed to lifetime terms by the General Assembly and at times several people held the position simultaneously. In 1990, new legislation was enacted to provide for the gubernatorial appointment of a state poet laureate for a two-year term. The Kentucky Poet Laureate's duties include promoting the literary arts and leading the state in literary activities, including Kentucky Writers' Day.