POETRY@thePPL!

Welcome to the latest edition of POETRY@thePPL!
Located in the characterful and intimate space that is Plymouth Proprietary Library (inside half of a converted church hall), these events invite poets and fans of poetry alike to join us for an evening of reading, performing, and basking in the glow of the library’s mountain of books.
The evening will open its doors at 7PM for a 7:30 start, and will consist of two 25-minute open mic slots, followed by two performances from our guest poets of the evening. These will be interceded by a 10 minute break.
Entry to this event will be on a ‘pay what you decide’ basis, with a suggested donation of £5 per person. Tickets are available online via Eventbrite or on the door.
This event will feature the wonderful SHAGUFTA K IQBAL & DAVID RUTHERFORD!
SHAGUFTA K IQBAL is an award-winning writer, workshop facilitator and Tedx Speaker, as well as co-founder of Kiota Bristol and the Yoniverse Collective.
One of Asiana Magazine’s favourite British Asian poets, she has been described by gal-dem as a poet whose work ‘leaves you validated but aching – her narratives are important, heart-wrenching and relatable.’ Her poetry collection ‘Jam Is For Girls, Girls Get Jam’ has been recommended by Nikesh Shukla as ‘a social political masterclass.’
Her poetry film ‘Borders’ has won several awards, and has been screened across international film festivals, including London Short Film Festival, Glasgow Short Film Festival, Athena Film Festival. She is currently writing her second poetry collection and debut novel.
DAVID RUTHERFORD grew up in the North East of England and is now a resident of the South West. He has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Plymouth, and his novella in prose poems ‘Notation’ was published in Big Fiction Magazine’s Winter 2020 edition.
Open Mic:
If you would like to take the stage, there will be slots available to book on the door, of five minutes each. The ten available slots will be drawn randomly from those who sign up on the night.
Travel:
The Plymouth Proprietary Library is located at The Gables, St Barnabas Terrace, Stoke, Plymouth, PL1 5NN. The nearest car park is Stuart Road, and the venue is roughly a ten minute walk from Plymouth train station.
Accessibility:
Plymouth Proprietary Library is fully wheelchair accessible, with step free access and a disabled bathroom. There is also accessible parking just outside the entrance. If you have accessibility needs, let us know, and we will do our utmost to accommodate them.
Refreshments:
Teas, coffees, squash and snacks will be available at the event, in exchange for donations to the Library. Otherwise, feel free to bring your own alcoholic/soft drinks!
Photography:
This event contains non-flash photography. Photos from the event will be shared on POETRY@thePPL social media and promotional materials. If you don’t want your photo to be taken/shared, please speak to Jonah, or the photographer on the night, and we will ensure this doesn’t happen.
Hosted, in the usual erratic and vaguely concerning fashion, by Jonah Corren.
This event is supported by Real Ideas Organisation’s Start Something Creative fund, and local authority funding from Stoke Ward’s councillor Jemima Laing.

Get tickets here.