The Chautauqua Writers' Center is a lively community of writers at all levels of development who cultivate the courage, craft and vision necessary to grow as artists under the tutelage of nationally recognized authors. Started in 1987, the original core program of eighteen summer workshops, readings and lectures has grown to include the Chautauqua Writers' Festival, the Chautauqua Literary Journal, and an active support organization, Chautauqua Readers & Writers. Whether you are an accomplished writer looking for peer support, a novice striving to take your work to the next level, or simply an avid reader in love with all things literary, we welcome you and hope to see you at one of our many programs.

Sherra Babcock, Director of Education
Lesley Williamson, Assistant Director of Education

Clara Silverstein, program director

• Weekly poetry and prose workshops - Each workshop is taught by an experienced, published author in a small group setting. Most classes are limited to just 12 participants. All workshops are held on the second floor of the Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle’s Alumni Hall. (Located on the south end of the grounds on Wythe Ave. across from the Hall of Philosophy.) For specific questions regarding workshops, please contact Clara Silverstein at CSilver230@aol.com.
  
  >> Registration begins April 2 for the 2008 season. Call the ticket office at 716.357.6250 to register by phone; register online; or visit any of Chautauqua’s three ticket windows (located at the Main Gate Welcome Center, the Turner Community Center, or the Colonnade) to register in-person during the season (June 24 – August 25, 2008).
  
  
• Readings on the Porch - Each Sunday from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., the week's poet and prose writers-in-residence read from their own work on the porch of Alumni Hall. (free)
• Brown-bag Lectures - Each Tuesday and Friday from 12:15 – 1:15 p.m., the week’s poet and prose writers-in-residence (respectively) offer a public lecture on the porch of Alumni Hall. Bring your lunch! (free)
• Chautauqua Poetry Contest - Sponsored by Chautauqua Readers & Writers. No submission fee. Two prizes. One for an adult poet and one for a poet age 18 or younger. Submission forms available at the library and CLSC Alumni Hall.
• Hauser Prize - Sponsored by Chautauqua Readers & Writers. Two prizes offered, one in poetry and one in prose. Contest is open to participants of Writers' Center workshops. No submission fee. See your workshop leader for details.
• Chautauqua Readers & Writers - $35 annual membership in this literary arts support group includes a copy of the Chautauqua Literary Journal, membership in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) and perks such as social events. Contact chautauqua.rdr.wrtr@mac.com for details or download and fill out the form.