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What are Poetry Hubs?
Poetry Hubs are welcoming and inclusive spaces designed to foster a love for poetry across Surrey. These community-driven gatherings invite poets of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned writers, to come together, share their work, and explore the beauty of language and expression.
Our Poetry Hubs are social mornings centred around poetry, where socialising is just as important as the writing itself. Each session provides a warm and supportive environment that encourages participants to connect with one another, share ideas, and enjoy the creative process together. You don’t need any prior knowledge of poetry, just an openness to explore and experience something new!
At our hubs, you can expect a variety of activities, including workshops, discussions, and open mic opportunities, allowing participants to read their own poetry or simply enjoy the works of others. Whether you're looking to refine your writing skills, find inspiration, or make new friends who share your passion for poetry, our hubs offer the perfect setting.
Join us in celebrating the power of words, building community, and inspiring creativity, one poem at a time!
How to Participate
Joining our Poetry Hubs is easy and free! We welcome everyone—whether you’re an experienced poet or just curious to explore the world of poetry. Each hub offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can connect with fellow poetry lovers, share your thoughts, and express your creativity.
Hub Schedule:
Mondays:
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Dorking Poetry Hub at Dorking Library, 10am-12pm. EVERY OTHER MONDAY. Please see the schedule below for the next sessions. Led by Jacky Power, assisted by Gary Hill. (pre-booking advised)
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Staines Poetry Hub at Staines Library, 11am - 1pm. Led by Adam Gary. (pre-booking advised)
Tuesdays:
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Kingston Poetry Hub at Kingston Library, 11am - 1pm. Led by Margo Rodriguez. (pre-booking advised)
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Egham Poetry Hub at The Egham Literary Institute, 18:00-20:00 Led by Adam Gary, assisted by Luc Grey.
Wednesdays:
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Farnham Poetry Hub at Farnham Library, 11am - 1pm. Led by Edi G
Thursdays:
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Guildford Poetry Hub at Guildford Library, 10am - 12pm. Led by Adam Gary, assisted by Stephanie Leonida. (pre-booking advised)
Fridays:
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Woking Poetry Hub at Woking Library, 10:30am - 12:30pm. Led by Adam Gary. (pre-booking advised).
Feel free to drop in whenever you can! No prior knowledge of poetry is required; just come with an open mind and a willingness to explore something new.
Please Note: Some of our hubs are incredibly popular, so to avoid disappointment, it may be wise to secure a space through our website beforehand.
While our hubs are free to attend, we warmly welcome donations to support our outreach programmes and help us continue providing these enriching experiences for the community. Your contributions, no matter how small, make a big difference in allowing us to foster a vibrant poetry community across Surrey.
We look forward to seeing you at a hub soon! Together, let’s celebrate the joy of poetry and creativity!
Want to launch your own Poetry Hub?
We are always looking to expand our flagship initiative. If you are interested in starting your own Poetry Hub, please contact us for further details.
What our Community Says
FAQs
Do I need to book a place at a Poetry Hub?
Booking isn’t required — you’re always welcome to just turn up.
However, some of our hubs are now extremely popular and often reach maximum capacity, so pre-booking is strongly advised if you want to guarantee your spot that week.
How much does it cost to attend?
All Poetry Hubs are completely free.
We believe creative spaces should be accessible to everyone, which is why our hubs remain open, welcoming, and cost-free for all.
That said, we are an entirely unfunded non-profit, so donations are always welcome. Every contribution, big or small, helps us keep our hubs running, free, and thriving for the whole community.
What happens during a typical Hub session?
Each hub is a relaxed, guided session led by one of our trained volunteer facilitators.
Every week includes:
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A warm welcome and check-in
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Fun, inclusive writing prompts
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Time to write independently
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Poetry reading & discussion
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Optional sharing at the end
There is no pressure to share. Your voice, your pace.
Do I need to be “a poet” to attend?
Not at all.
Many of our regulars had never written a poem before walking into a hub.
Whether you’re curious, rusty, experienced, or somewhere in between, hubs are designed for all levels.
What should I bring?
Just a notebook and pen if you have them, but if you don’t, come anyway.
Some hubs provide scrap paper or pencils, and many people write on their phones.
Can I come late or leave early?
Yes. Life happens.
We simply ask that you enter and leave quietly so as not to interrupt anyone who is sharing.
Are the sessions part of a course, or will I fall behind if I miss one?
All Poetry Hub sessions are totally stand-alone.
There’s no course structure, no homework, no progression you need to “keep up” with. If you miss a week, you simply miss that day’s prompts; you’re never behind.
Come as often or as little as you like. Every session is a fresh creative moment, and you can jump in at any time.
Are the hubs accessible?
Most of our hub venues have step-free access and accessible facilities.
If you have specific access requirements, please let us know in advance so we can support you fully.
Is there any expectation to share my writing?
No. Sharing is always optional.
You are welcome to listen, write privately, or use the hub as creative downtime.
Many participants share only when they feel comfortable, some never do, and that’s absolutely fine.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, please do!
Hubs are community spaces, and newcomers are always welcome.
If your hub is known to be busy, we recommend booking both places in advance.
Who leads the sessions?
Each hub is run by one of our trained volunteer facilitators. All passionate about poetry, community, and creating safe, encouraging spaces for creativity.
How can I support the hubs?
We’re a completely unfunded non-profit, so support is always appreciated.
You can:
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Make a donation
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Spread the word
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Bring friends
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Share your hub experiences on socials and tag us
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Volunteer with us
Every act of support helps us keep hubs free and thriving. See our support page for more info.