Literary Arts

Writers’ workshops, traditional bookbinding and letter pressing are just a few of the experiences the literary-minded can find in Port Townsend.

Our community is also host to a number of small, independent presses, including The North Press and Copper Canyon Press, which has published extraordinary poetry from around the world to engage the imaginations and intellects of readers everywhere since 1972.

While Jack London’s jail stay in the historic downtown City Hall may not have been the most illustrious connection to Port Townsend’s expansive literary heritage, our community has provided a backdrop for the writing of Dune and other novels by former resident Frank Herbert, internationally celebrated underground and alternative works from Feral House Press, and was a bastion of traditional iron press printing in the 1970s and 80s.

Take in one of the many classes offered by the Imprint Bookstore and Writers’ Workshoppe or visit during July to participate in Centrum’s renowned Port Townsend Writers Conference and Summer Reading Series.

The historic Port Townsend Public Library located uptown offers early literacy programs, community reads and other series such as Art in Action and the Book Lovers’ Café. Visit www.ptpubliclibrary.com to learn more.