Poetry Library

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		The Poetry Library

		When the Poetry Library was founded by the Arts Council in 1953, it was with the intention to collect and preserve twentieth-century British Poetry and had the express motive of making it as accessible as possible to the general public. After forty years in existence, the main strengths of the collection are its small press and hard-to-get material, pamphlets and ephemera, press cuttings, little magazines, and international coverage (all countries are represented either in the original English or translated into English). Although based in London, it fills the role of a national poetry library, and is continually seeking to extend its services further. One of the most important ways to do this is through the public library network. The following headings describe the ways in which the library currently can serve and work with public librarians.

		Current Awareness The Poetry Library produces a variety of information lists on various aspects of poetry-related information. Areas covered by these include poetry competitions, magazines, specialist publishers, festivals, groups and workshops in Greater London, part-time day and evening courses in London, and bookshops. All are free of charge and can be requested with a SAE by any member of the public. A limited mailing list is in operation, mainly comprising of Regional Arts Boards and literature organisations. Also available on application is an especially detailed listing of national information on Asian and Afro-Caribbean poetry. Enquiry Service The library accepts from the public libraries both direct and indirect referrals for information on twentieth-century poetry. These enquiries usually relate to material not stocked by the county service, and can be bibliographical, lost quotation or Grangers type enquiries. The library is pleased to help but due to quantity of enquiries received must limit each search to about 30 minutes. Database Through the cataloguing and indexing of the collection, the library is building a very detailed and unique poetry database. In addition to bibliographical material, this holds a great deal of information on subjects, themes and genres of 20th century poetry, and is particularly strong on these aspects of Children’s poetry. Inter-library Loans Through LASER, the library is part of the national and international ILL network, with the emphasis very firmly on lending rather than borrowing. All items in the loan collection, books, pamphlets, tapes, records and videos may be requested, on receipt of a BLDSC or LASER form. Repository of poetry stock When public libraries are withdrawing out-of-date or surplus stock, the Poetry Library will accept 20th century poetry in English not already kept. Advice to Librarians Poetry Library staff are happy to be approached for advice on building modern poetry collections in public libraries. Issues covered would be mainly bibliographical, e.g. which magazines to subscribe to, what small poetry publishers to look out for, producers of poetry cassettes, other agencies and specialist organisations operating in the field. Also welcome are visits from the library staff of boroughs/counties, or even individual libraries. The library annually takes student placements from library schools. Information Resources produced by the Poetry Library Current Awareness Lists as above, up-dated regularly Teacher’s Information Packs 6 age-grouped Selected lists of Poetry Books for Children Advice pack for aspiring poets (mostly copies of articles) Special services for Visually Impaired members The Poetry Library is also closely associated with the programme of readings and literature events taking place on the South Bank.

		The Poetry Library Royal Festival Hall London SE1 8XX Telephone 0171 921 0664 Facsimile Email