Poetry in Public celebrates Iowa City’s rich literary tradition and local writing talent by displaying poems by writers of all ages. Iowa City is internationally recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature.
The 2021 Poetry in Public selected poems are posted below as well as available for viewing all over the community - including inside city buses, at the Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City Recreation Centers and the Johnson County Senior Center. Poems are on display August through the following spring.
The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature will be hosting the Poetry in Public Program starting in 2022. Please check their website or contact Rachael Carlson for more information regarding the 2022 schedule for submissions.
Selected poems
2021
Poetry in Public 2021 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2021 student poetry
2020
Poetry in Public 2020 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2020 student poetry--not processed due to COVID-19 pandemic
2019
Poetry in Public 2019 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2019 student poetry
2018
Poetry in Public 2018 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2018 student poetry
2017
Poetry in Public 2017 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2017 student poetry
Poetry Readings by several 2017 poets
2016
Poetry in Public 2016 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2016 student poetry
2015
Poetry in Public 2015 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2015 student poetry
2014
Poetry in Public 2014 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2014 student poetry
2013
Poetry in Public 2013 adult poetry
Poetry in Public 2013 student poetry
For more selected poems from previous years, please send an email to marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org.