As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, LondonVerse is a city‑wide poetry project inviting people of all ages to share their voices and stories through poetry. Open to submissions in any language and on any theme, the project celebrates the diversity, creativity and lived experience of London’s communities.
Community managed libraries are perfectly placed to support and promote LondonVerse. Libraries are trusted, welcoming spaces where people come together to read, write, learn and reflect making them ideal hubs for encouraging local residents to participate. Selected poems will be featured in libraries across London and at events throughout the year, offering a chance for local voices to be seen, shared and celebrated.
CMLs can get involved by displaying the LondonVerse poster in visible areas of the library and talking to visitors about the opportunity to take part. Promoting LondonVerse can spark conversations, inspire creative activity and strengthen your library’s role as a cultural and community space. Whether through casual encouragement, poetry groups, or themed displays, every library can help ensure local voices are represented in this shared snapshot of London.