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A New Chapter Begins: Esher Library Launches Poetry Hub in Partnership with The Surrey Poet Laureateship
- Surrey Poet Laureateship
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
VIP guests, local poets, and a community of creative minds gathered to celebrate the opening of Surrey’s newest hub for poetry and connection.
Esher Library was buzzing with creative energy last week as it officially became home to the latest Poetry Hub launched by The Surrey Poet Laureateship, marking a powerful step forward in the movement to make poetry accessible, inclusive, and vibrant across the county.
The launch was attended by distinguished guests including Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council; Councillor Neil Houston, Mayor of Elmbridge; and Adam Gary FRSA, inaugural Surrey Poet Laureate and Founder of the Laureateship. Their presence underscored the growing recognition and support for this grassroots initiative that has, in less than a year, sparked a countywide literary renaissance.
The celebration began with a warm reception—refreshments courtesy of Esher Library—where poets and poetry-lovers mingled, shared stories, and began forming the kinds of community connections that the hub model is designed to nurture.
The hub’s first activity session included a micro-poetry workshop led by Adam Gary, where participants explored short poetic forms that encouraged sharp creativity and thoughtful expression. This was followed by a group analysis session facilitated by Stephanie Leonida, Lead Facilitator of the Esher Poetry Hub. Stephanie, alongside Assistant Facilitator Vicky Bell, will lead the hub’s ongoing sessions, building a welcoming and inspiring space for local writers and newcomers alike.
Adam Gary reflected on the occasion with pride:“The poetry hubs initiative launched less than a year ago, in May 2024, and this will now be our 6th hub in the county. It will be our first hub that I won’t be running myself, and I can’t think of a better pair to lead the sessions than Stephanie and Victoria. The enthusiasm for poetry and for what we are hoping to achieve is incredible and I’m so excited to see how they lead their sessions and where this hub will go. Not only are they incredibly excited, but the wider library team at Esher have also embraced the Laureateship and what the hubs stand for. I have every faith that the Esher Hub will thrive.”
Stephanie Leonida added:“The energy was very palpable and it was fantastic to be a part of. Many thanks to Adam, for making this possible, and Vicky, for your continued support in spreading the joy of the hubs. I loved helping to lead the launch session and will very much enjoy leading the first session on Friday the 2nd.”
And from Vicky Bell:“It was really exciting to launch our hub at Esher Library, and I was delighted to have the chance to participate in our first poetry session. It was extremely helpful to see how the session went forward and to be part of the interactions within the group.”
The launch of the Esher Poetry Hub is not just another event—it’s a symbol of how The Surrey Poet Laureateship is reimagining the role of poetry in public life. By creating physical spaces where people can come together to share, learn, and write, the organisation is building a network of creativity that touches every corner of the county.
With hubs now in six locations and growing, the Laureateship is proving that poetry is not confined to books or academia—it lives in libraries, care homes, schools, prisons, and mental health spaces. It’s spoken aloud at open mics, workshopped in small groups, and scribbled in notebooks during everyday moments.
The Esher Poetry Hub is now open for all, regardless of writing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just curious about giving it a go, the hub offers a friendly, open space to be inspired, connect with others, and maybe even discover the poem inside you.
To find out more about The Surrey Poet Laureateship, the poetry hubs, or to get involved, visit https://www.surreypoetlaureateship.org/ or follow along on social media.
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