Around the Campfire Poetry Reading & Open Mic

With Missouri Poet Laureate Justin Hamm

Around the Campfire is a monthly online reading series featuring invited poets followed by an open mic for members of the audience. Four times in the coming year, the series will meet in person at the Columbia Public Library for a special all-Missouri poetry event. Come listen to Missouri Poet Laureate Justin Hamm, then bring a poem or two of your own to share if you'd like. Adults.

Around the Campfire is a monthly online reading series that brings Missouri poets together with poets from beyond the state’s borders. Each gathering features invited poets, followed by an open mic for members of the audience.

Four times in the coming year, the series will meet in person at the Columbia Public Library for a special all-Missouri poetry event. This session, come listen to Missouri Poet Laureate Justin Hamm, then bring a poem or two of your own to share during the open mic if you'd like.

Justin Hamm is the Missouri Poet Laureate for 2025-2027. Justin currently serves as the school librarian at Eugene Field Elementary in Mexico and is the author of five books of poetry and several individual works, which often draw inspiration from Missouri's people and landscapes, and have appeared in journals and anthologies nationwide. Justin offers "The Humble Apartment of My Chest," a free poetry chapbook, as a thank-you to his friends, family and community. Read or download the chapbook.

Adults.

Upcoming events