Words on Fire Open Mic @ William Hall

Attention, Creative Writers (and their supporters)! Whether you are looking to revise your current work or show off some previously-published gems, you’ll want to attend the Words on Fire Open Mic for ninety minutes of creative energy, happening monthly in the William Hall Library Auditorium. This is an 18 event.

Please note this event is for reading your original work only. Test-drive your in-progress work in front of a live audience or just come for the show as writers share their poems, stories (true and fictional), essays, or excerpts from their great American novels.

No experience necessary! All genres and experience levels are welcome. All you need is a little courage and the ability to offer support to fellow creatives.

Words on Fire Open Mic meets on the first Wednesday of each month unless otherwise noted. Separate registration for each month’s meeting is required. We look forward to hearing your original voice and style!

Free and open to the public. Registration required by using the button below or contact the library for assistance.

UPDATED June 4, 2026! Please read the Rules of Engagement before signing up:

Registration is required
Audience members who don’t intend to read are welcome
Readers must be 18 or older
Readers should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to event start time to check in
Readings will be strictly timed and should be no longer than three-to-four minutes, max
Please practice your readings before the event to avoid going over the allotted time
Writing must be audience-friendly, suitable for reading in a public space, and must not include excessive profanity or any slurs or hate speech directed at any particular group or individual
Bring extra writing with you—if time allows, additional rounds will be allowed once everyone has had a chance to read

Questions? Contact Zach Berger at zach@cranstonlibrary.org or call 401-781-2450

Co-Host Zach Berger is the William Hall Branch Librarian and has had a lifelong interest in writing poetry and pursuing other creative adventures. His poem Anisoptera placed third in the 2025 Notable Works Bridging the Divide Poetry Initiative, and he served as a judge in the following year's contest. He has had a couple of poems published here and there, and enjoys making collage art in his spare time.