O.B. Hardison Poetry Series

For more than 40 years, the Folger's poetry reading series has brought hundreds of distinguished poets to read from their work on the Folger stage, including Octavio Paz, Gwendolyn Brooks, Allen Ginsberg, W. S. Merwin, Adrienne Rich, Yusef Komunyakaa, James Merrill, Frank Bidart, Robert Pinsky, Derek Walcott, Hayden Carruth, Rita Dove, Seamus Heaney, Sterling Brown, Denise Levertov, June Jordan, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Sonia Sanchez, and James Dickey. Beginning with the 2010–11 season, it was renamed O.B. Hardison Poetry reading series in honor of its founder, O. B. Hardison, Jr.

From traditional poetry readings to multimedia presentations to eclectic combinations of lecture, conversation, and performance, O.B. Hardison Poetry reading series is committed to expanding the contexts in which poetry is experienced. Each year, we present eight to ten poetry events— including a moderated conversation and Q & A—in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theatre, followed by wine receptions and book signings in the Great Hall.

Previous seaons

• Before & After: Poets respond to Two Gentlemen of Verona (2014)
• Folger Board Reading: Carol Ann Duffy (2014)
• The Literary Legacy of Seamus Heaney (2014)
• The Voice of Women in American Poetry (2014)
• Making Your Own Map: Joy Harjo and Evie Schockley (2014)
• Made in the USA: Tina Chang and Maurice Manning (2014)
• Before & After: Poets respond to Richard III (2014)
• Not Just Another Day Off (2014)
• Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute: Peter Gizzi (2013)
• Before & After: Poets respond to Romeo and Juliet (2013)
• The Anthony Hecht Poetry Prize: Shelley Puhak (2013)
• Mortally Beautiful: C.K. Williams and Stanley Plumly (2013)

Folger Poetry Board

The Folger Poetry Board is a committee of friends providing significant support to the Folger Shakespeare Library's poetry programs by organizing and sponsoring fundraising and other literary events and by hosting an annual reading by a distinguished author.

• Gigi Bradford, Chair
• Jean Bower
• Edwin P. Conquest, Jr.
• Christina Daub
• Harriet Patsy Davis
• Marifrancis Hardison
• Joseph Hassett
• Anita Herrick
• Sherman Katz
• Robert C. Liotta
• Richard Lyon
• Greg McBride
• Mary McElveen
• Barbara Meade
• Dr. David Morowitz
• Mary Muromcew
• Jean Nordhaus
• Jacqueline Quillen
• Susan Rappaport
• Heddy Reid
• Dr. Marianne Schuelein
• Joan Shorey
• Norman Sinel
• Amy Tercek
• Nigel Twose
• David Weisman
• Mary-Sherman Willis
• Anne Harding Woodworth

Special poetry events at the Folger

O.B. Hardison Poetry Series partners with national and community organizations promoting poetry and language throughout the Washington region, and the country. Join us at the Haskell Center or other locations for special readings and celebrations.