Written by Joe Armstrong, Brand & Communications Director, Downtown Main Library
Your chance to apply to be The Library Foundation’s Writer-in-Residence starts now!
Since 2014, The Library Foundation has sponsored an annual Writer-in-Residence at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. The Writer-in-Residence serves as the Library’s literary ambassador to the community for a one-year term. The goal of the Writer-in-Residence program is to foster engagement between the Library and the community’s writers and readers by providing instruction on the craft of writing, both online and in-person. Additionally, the Writer-in-Residence will also serve as the Library’s representative in the local literary arts scene.
The selected Writer-in-Residence candidate receives a $10,000 stipend and promotion and exposure as the selected Library Foundation Writer-in-Residence. Submit your online statement of interest and qualifications before the Monday, October 6, 2025 deadline.
Funds to support the Writer-in-Residence program are provided through the generous donation of a private donor and The Library Foundation.
Learn about all the requirements, expectations, and how to apply to be the 2026 Writer-in-Residence on our website.
During the residency period, the Writer-in-Residence is required to:
- Conduct 2-4 public writing workshops at a Library location
- Hold bi-monthly programs (6) at a Library location or virtually, through office hours or other engagement opportunities
- Connect with the community online via 4-6 pieces of content, in some combination of video, blog post, newsletter article/interview
- Host a bi-monthly podcast
- Host, appear, or speak at other Library and community events and participate in Library promotions as needed
- Complete a written work that can be shared at the end of the residency
Just who can be a Writer-In-Residence? A writer who is:
- A resident in southwest Ohio (priority given to Hamilton County residents)
- At least 18 years of age
- Actively engaged in the local literary arts community
- Possesses a record of past achievements, strong artistic merit, and a commitment towards advancing the literary arts
- Has experience teaching writing or conducting writing workshops
Any writer may apply, but priority is given to writers in the following genres:
- Fiction
- Narrative Non-Fiction, including history, biography, and memoirs
- Children’s Literature
- YA Literature
- Graphic Novels
- Poetry
Learn about all the requirements, expectations, and how to apply to be the 2026 Writer-in-Residence on our website.
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