Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Apply to be The Library Foundation’s Writer-in-Residence for 2027! Applications are now open.
About the Program
The Library Foundation has sponsored an annual Writer-in-Residence at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library since 2014. The Writer-in-Residence serves as CHPL's literary ambassador to the community by fostering engagement between the Library and local writers, providing instruction on the craft of writing, both online and in-person, and serving as the Library’s representative in the local literary arts scene.
The selected Writer-in-Residence candidate receives a $10,000 stipend and promotion through the program. Submit your online statement of interest and qualifications before the Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 deadline.
Funds to support the Writer-in-Residence program are provided through the generous donation of a private donor and The Library Foundation.
During the residency period, the Writer-in-Residence is required to:
- Conduct 2 - 4 public writing workshops at CHPL locations.
- 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, etc.
- 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
The successful candidate is:
- A resident in southwest Ohio (priority given to Hamilton County residents)
- At least 18 years of age
- Is actively engaged in the local literary arts community
- Possesses a record of past achievements, strong artistic merit, and a commitment to 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
About the Selection Process
To select our 2027 Writer-in-Residence, CHPL and the Library Foundation will convene a selection committee comprising representatives from the Library, the Foundation, and the local literary community.
Selection Committee Members: Emma Carlson Berne, Julie Dierker, Dan Hurley, Manuel Iris, Dani McClain, Abby Strickland, Tom Sundermann, Anna Thorner, Staci Dennison, Keloni Parks, and Drew Pearson.
After an initial review, the committee will invite selected candidates to submit a full application. The committee will interview finalists and use a rubric to select the next Writer-in-Residence.
Learn about all the requirements, expectations, and how to apply to be the 2026 Writer-in-Residence on our website.
Mackenzie Manley is currently reading "Yesteryear" by Claire Caro Burke.
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