Logo: Youngstown Design Works

Lit Youngstown is a literary arts non-profit founded in 2015 in Youngstown, Ohio, by Liz Hill & Karen Schubert.

Youngstown has a long and abundant history of writers, all the way back to Irish immigrant ironworker Michael McGovern, the “Puddler Poet,” who published his verse in the late 1800s to national acclaim. Youngstown’s legacy includes award-winning poets, fiction and non-fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters and journalists, as well as presses, programs and publications. The literary, musical and visual arts generate a tremendous amount of economic activity in our region, and are a critical element in making Youngstown a great place to live.

Mission

The mission of Lit Youngstown is to provide opportunities for writers and readers to experience and enjoy the literary arts. We support beginning and experienced writers in their goals to hone their craft, and share and publish their work. We believe that the acts of writing and reading serve as both window and mirror: fostering creativity and  increasing understanding of the self and our diverse community.

Values

Our values help us achieve our goals.

• We provide a platform for writers to share their work
• We offer access to visiting writers with a wide range of styles and experience
• We pay our teaching artists
• We design our classes and events to be affordable and inclusive
• We foster a nurturing environment for helpful critical feedback
• We collaborate with other community organizations to extend our reach and build on the work being done here
• We recruit volunteers to help broaden the face of our organization, and help strengthen our connection to individuals

Statement on Convicted Writers and Victims/Survivors of Crimes

As an organization with a focus on giving voice to and reflecting on the shared and individual experiences of those within our community, Lit Youngstown acknowledges and embraces those on divergent paths. We believe in restorative justice and welcome incarcerated members of the community and those reentering society. We also recognize the pain of victims and survivors and will continue to work toward providing a safe and brave space with the intention of preventing further harm.

Environmental Impact Statement

Lit Youngstown is dedicated to reducing waste and our carbon footprint. To that end, we look for products such as paper with a high post-consumer waste content; reuse materials such as signs and dishes rather than purchasing single-use products; will continue to hold some meetings and programs remotely after the pandemic; have hosted a reading series on humankind and the natural world that included books on climate change and biodiversity; offer vegetarian options at dinners; and purchased a white oak for our office host, St. John’s Episcopal Church. We also strive to have a positive economic impact on our community by supporting local businesses.

Vision

We envision a society where literacy, reading, literary creativity and ideas are valued and celebrated, promoting empathy, self and cultural awareness, critical analysis, active citizenship, information, and knowledge.

Support Our Work

We are always grateful for donations. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization; your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law; and it is so much appreciated.

To support Lit Youngstown, please send your check payable to Lit Youngstown to our address: 323 Wick Ave. Suite #6, Youngstown OH 44503. Be sure to include your mailing address.

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Click here to donate via PayPal or credit card.

 Click here to join our e-newsletter list to be notified of upcoming events.

Click here to see our 2020 Annual Report.
Click here to see our 2019 Annual Report.
Click here to see our 2018 Annual Report.
Click here to see our 2017 Annual Report.
Click here to see our 2016 Annual Report.

Lit Youngstown strives to be an information source for literary gigs happening all over the region. Is there a program or event you’d like us to know about? Is there a class you would like to take or teach? Email us at info@lityoungstown. org

Lit Youngstown does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, gender expression, physical disability, sexual orientation, race, national origin, marital status, military status, or religion. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, instructors, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

We welcome all participants. If you need accommodations at any of our events, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us in advance of your participation.

Voice Mail: 234.254.9549
Email: info@lityoungstown.org
Lit Youngstown on Facebook
@LitYoungstown on Twitter
Lit Youngstown on Instagram
Lit Youngstown channel on YouTube

Office address: 323 Wick Ave. Suite #6, Youngstown OH 44503*
*Please note that office hours vary