Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature

Connecting readers and writers through the power of story

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For more than 80 years, Iowa City has been teaching the world to write. The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa pioneered the teaching of creative writing at the university level. Dozens of creative programs within the university and the city followed. The newest chapter in this tradition is Iowa City’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature.

Annual Events

Iowa City Book Festival

1 Book 2 Book Festival

MusicIC

Paul Engle

Iowa City Community

Upcoming Events

Iowa City Literature Walk

Writers Groups

Latest Videos

2024 Book Festival ‘Politics’ panel

2024 Iowa City SlamoVision qualifier

Latest News

Cities of Literature highlight SDGs with social media campaign

November 27, 2024

As the do annually, several UNESCO Cities of Literature will raise awareness about the United Nations’ 2030 Strategic Development Goals with the social media campaign, “17 Books for the 17 […]

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Delegates from the UNESCO Cities of Literature arranged in rows on steps during the annual meeting in Edinburgh.

Cities of Literature meet in Edinburgh to celebrate network’s 20th anniversary

November 6, 2024

October marked the 20th anniversary of Edinburgh becoming the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and the city celebrated by hosting the Cities of Literature Annual Conference to mark the […]

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Slam-O-Vision 2024

October 30, 2024

Slamovision is the spoken word version of Eurovision, hosted by the UNESCO Cities of Literature — where each City slams their way to the grand title Slamovision Champion! Audiences in […]

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CAMILLE DUNGY NAMED 2024 PAUL ENGLE PRIZE WINNER

October 2, 2024

Camille Dungy has been named the 13th recipient of the Paul Engle Prize, presented by the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization. The prize, established in 2011, honors an […]

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    About Our Work

    For 80 years, Iowa City has been teaching the world to write. The Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa pioneered the teaching of creative writing at the university level. Dozens of creative programs within the university and the city followed. The newest chapter in this tradition is Iowa City’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. Read more…

    Mailing Address
    123 S. Linn St.
    Iowa City, IA 52240

    Executive Director
    John Kenyon
    john-kenyon@iowacityofliterature.org
    (319) 356-5245

    Director of Operations
    Rachael Carlson
    rachael-carlson@iowacityofliterature.org
    (319) 887-6100

    Marketing Assistant
    Katherine Steahly
    [email protected]