Poetry box

Poetry Box Contents List

Each poetry box contains a selection of current poetry books, cds, pamphlets and other materials. This is the current contents list.

Poetry Box Contents List (PDF)

Poetry Box Contents List (Word)

Last updated 8/5/08

Sound And Rhythm, by Andrew Philip

Written with the poet's love of reading other poets, Andrew Philip uses poems from the 'Presiding Spirit' cards in your Poetry Box to explore the use of sound and rhythm in poetry. Whether you are a writer or a reader, make sure your eyes and ears are alert to the subtleties and the sheer pleasure of sound in poetry.

Sound And Rhythm (PDF)

Sound And Rhythm (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Beginning To Write, by Donny O'Rourke

Ideas and inspiration from the friendly and supportive hand of poet and experienced creative writing teacher Donny O'Rourke. If you've just recently started to write poems, or you want to kickstart your writing routine, this is the sheet for you.

Beginning To Write (PDF)

Beginning To Write (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Getting Your Poetry Published, by Helena Nelson

Publish in magazines first, everyone tells you. But how? Don't you sometimes wish you could see inside the head of a poetry editor? Check Helena Nelson's practical advice to give your poems the best chance of publication.

Getting Your Poetry Published (PDF)

Getting Your Poetry Published (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Facilitating A Bookgroup Discussion, by Marsha Howard

Are you inspired to start up your own poetry bookgroup, but want some advice on how to start and shape a great discussion? Marsha Howard, an experienced librarian and now trainer at Poets House in New York, gives you the professional low-down on your role, responsibilities and how to make your book discussion group work.

The recommendations and tips you'll find here are based on the 'shared inquiry' method.

Facilitating A Bookgroup Discussion (PDF)

Facilitating A Bookgroup Discussion (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Writing a Poetry Review 1, by Roddy Lumsden

A checklist of what to think about as you plan and write your review of a poetry book.

Writing a Poetry Review 1 (PDF)

Writing a Poetry Review 1 (Word)

• Add your comments to our online discussion.

Last updated 26/10/07

Writing a Poetry Review 2, by Stuart B Kelly

Further tips on how to review poetry, particularly for newspapers and journals.

Writing a Poetry Review 2 (PDF)

Writing a Poetry Review 2 (Word)

Last updated 31/10/07

Reading Poems Aloud 1, by Lorna Irvine and Elspeth Murray

Lorna Irvine and Elspeth Murray's tips on how to deal with nerves, decide on your poem, and enjoy reading aloud!

Reading Poems Aloud 1 (PDF)

Reading Poems Aloud 1 (Word)

Last updated 8/5/08

Reading Poems Aloud 2: Voice Warm-ups, by Lorna Irvine and Elspeth Murray

Some great exercises and tips for getting your voice ready to read aloud.

Reading Poems Aloud 2 (PDF)

Reading Poems Aloud 2 (Word)

Last updated 8/5/08

Reading Guide 1: Poetry Anthologies

Written for individual readers and bookgroup members who would like some ideas to start them off when discussing a poetry anthology.

Reading Guide 1: Poetry Anthologies (PDF)

Reading Guide 1: Poetry Anthologies (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Reading Guide 2: Individual Poet Collections

The companion guide, with some helpful prompts for discussing a collection by an individual poet.

Reading Guide 2: Individual Poet Collections (PDF)

Reading Guide 2: Individual Poet Collections (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Reading Guide 3: Reading A Poem

A jargon-free guide - how to feel comfortable approaching a poem.

Reading Guide 3: Reading a Poem (PDF)

Reading Guide 3: Reading a Poem (Word)

Last updated 01/08/08

Selected Works Poetry Choices

'Selected Works' events are the Scottish Poetry Library's poetry equivalent of that old radio favourite, Desert Island Discs.

This document lists poems chosen by some recent guests, including Joan Bakewell, Louis de Bernières, John Byrne, Mark Doty, Douglas Dunn, Janice Galloway, Joanne Harris, Pat Kane.

New! The latest choices are from Simon Armitage, Alexander McCall Smith on W H Auden, Michael Longley on Louis MacNeice. Read them online in Favourite Poems.

Selected Works (PDF)

Last updated 11/01/08

Novel Approach

Specially for bookgroups and readers who love contemporary fiction, and want ideas for poetry to read. We've taken a range of recent novels you might have enjoyed, then paired each novel up with a poetry collection we think you'll enjoy just as much. Give them a try, and see if you agree – or create your own pairings.

Novel Approach (PDF)

Novel Approach (Word)

• Read Novel Approach online.

Last updated 30/05/07

Childhood | A Matter Of life And Death

Poems are a large part of our lives. As children we make up rhymes and learn poems that never leave us; as adults, we turn to poems to help us talk about birth, life and death. Browse these cards for some ideas if you're planning a reading evening or a bookgroup meeting on the themes of childhood or life and death.

Childhood (PDF)

Childhood (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

A Matter of Life and Death (PDF)

A Matter of Life and Death (Word)

Last updated 30/05/07

Themed Bookmarks

Some tantalising selections of individual poems, personally picked by Scottish Poetry Library staff, to appeal to readers of gardening, cookery, history, crime fiction and sci-fi. Download and give away as bookmarks.

New! Poems for enthusiasts of westerns, DIY and travel writing.

Themed Bookmarks (PDF)

Themed Bookmarks (Word)

Last updated 11/01/08

SPL Magazines

This is the Scottish Poetry Library's list of the magazines we take – specially edited to show the magazines which will consider poetry submissions. It's invaluable for poets planning to send off their work, as well as readers who want a flavour of the many poetry and literature magazines out there. You can find the full list of current magazines held in the Library in the Periodicals section of the Scottish Poetry Library website.

SPL Magazines List (PDF)

SPL Magazines List (Word)

Last updated 14/11/07

SPL New Scottish Poetry Titles

Every six months the Scottish Poetry Library issues a list of all the Scottish poetry titles we know about. The second most recent list is published here (Friends of the SPL receive the most up to date list).

SPL New Poetry Titles (PDF)

SPL New Poetry Titles (Word)

Last updated 11/01/08

Comments cards and feedback forms

These cards and forms are for you to tell us about your use of the Poetry Boxes, and to make comments and suggestions.

Comments Card (PDF)

Comments Card (Word)

Librarians' Evaluation Sheet (PDF)

Librarians' Evaluation Sheet (Word)

Last updated 31/10/07