Our History

Writers Series History

It has been stated that the Writers Series program at St. Lawrence University is one of the best-regarded, oldest reading series in the nation.  It is more than 50 years old, and all varieties of Pulitzer Prize winners have been here through the years.  The English department invites writers producing some of today’s most innovative works across mediums and genres to visit classrooms and perform a reading for the community. You’ll have opportunities to ask them questions, make connections, and expand your network. Typically, the program brings in three authors a semester, one in each genre of poetry, literary nonfiction, and fiction.  In the month of February, the current Viebranz visiting professor of Creative Writing does a reading as part of the series.  In the month of April, the Sandra Nelson Poet finishes out the series.

Originally a combined effort between WSLU (North Country Public Radio) and St. Lawrence University, the Writers Series has also been sponsored by the Owen D. Young Library, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, the New York State Council of Arts, and the Offices of the President and Dean of Academic Affairs.  Since the mid 1990’s the Writers Series has been administered by the English Department’s creative writing program.

Past Writers

View the list of past writers since the English Department took ownership in the mid 1990’s.