Because poems grow each time you go back to them
Because you never know when you might need a poem
Because one poem is like an appetizer and a book of poems is like a banquet
Because poems never run out of steam

GPS aims to inspire new audiences to discover poetry. If you like the poetry you have discovered on the GPS map, below are some ideas for how you can seek out more of it.

Buy it

Support the poets whose work you enjoy. You usually buy an album by an artist if you like a couple of their songs - why not a book of poetry? A poetry book is a great gift, something to read on the hop or return to time and again. It may express something you feel but can't put into words yourself. Here is a huge list of specialist poetry bookshops across London and the UK.

Hear it

Poetry festivals and literature festivals are great places to see live and performance poetry. Hearing poetry read by the writers themselves can be a great experience.

Search for the festival nearest you, or visit Southbank Centre, which hosts a year round programme of poetry and spoken word, as well as the yearly London Literature Festival. GPS Partners all provide opportunities to experience poetry live.

Here are details of other poetry events, or try these links to free poetry downloads.


Read it

Find poetry old and new in your local library. There's a wealth of poetry at the Poetry Library in London, and the Scottish Poetry Library in Edinburgh, as well as other specialist libraries across the UK and around the world.

Visit the Poetry Magazines archive for instant access to hundreds of poems, or explore other poetry-rich websites.


Write it

GPS partner organisations are just some of the places you can get started or get support with writing poetry. The Poetry School runs a variety of workshops for people with all levels of experience. Everybody Writes 'offers classroom teachers innovative ideas and practical resources to get primary pupils and secondary students excited about writing'. Alternatively, find information on poetry workshops happening in London and across the world.