Open Mic Book Exchange

Join us for our Open Mic Book Exchange, a collaborative afternoon of storytelling, poetry, and community.

Bring a book that means something to you or buy one at the shop when you arrive. We'll open up the mic and everyone is invited to share a piece, whether it’s a poem or a song inspired by the book, or a story about the version of yourself who first found it, this is a space to reflect, create, and connect. After everyone shares we will exchange books with one another, so everyone leaves with a new story to read!

Please be sure to arrive early to give yourself ample time to shop if you aren't coming with a book.

This event is hosted by BIPOC Poetry Night in colloboration with Word Up.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Word Up Community Bookshop reserves the right to cancel events for any reason, including but not limited to safety concerns.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Please note Word Up has a zero tolerance policy for harassment or intimidation of any kind during any event, virtual or in-person. Please read our Safe Space Policy for more information. Anyone violating these rules will be expelled from the event at the discretion of the organizers. Please report all harassment to [email protected].

PHOTOS & RECORDING: Events may be recorded, and video and photos may be posted on our website, social media, and elsewhere. If you would prefer not to be visible, please let a Word Up team member know.

PRIVACY: Registrants will be added to the Word Up mailing list. Your contact information will never be shared or sold. You may unsubscribe or update your subscription at any time.

ACCESSIBILITY: Recirculation is a wheelchair-accessible space with one ramp from the street level down to the store. Most of the shelves are on wheels and can be moved to provide additional access. The bathrooms are not yet ADA compliant and do not yet have a changing table but are gender neutral. The events are mic’d for sound and videos are captioned when possible. Free ASL interpretation is available for most programs upon request. Please email [email protected] request interpretation as early as possible. If you have specific questions about the space or how an event can be made more accessible to you, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

About BIPOC Poetry Night:

Founded in 2022 by Brianna Clara, BPN curates monthly literary events. BIPOC Poetry Night is meant to uplift Black and Brown voices, curating community in Harlem & beyond. There are few spaces completely dedicated to hearing only Black and Brown voices, we are one of them. If you can't respect that, attendance is a choice.

Follow us on Instagram @thebriannaclara

About Word Up

Word Up Community Bookshop/Librería Comunitaria is a multilingual, collectively operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit bookshop and arts space in Washington Heights, committed to co-creating a place where residents support each other to live informed and expressive lives. Embracing cooperative practices, we champion books and storytelling in all forms to build and sustain a more just world where people can live with dignity and autonomy. We strive to make our neighborhood a resource-rich site for all to grow, learn, and celebrate our heritages. Learn more and order books on WordUpBooks.com.

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Host or Publisher Brianna Clara x Avrilililly's