Free Writing Workshops for Young Writers – Join us on April 5 at the Beaverton City Library

For young writers, mentorship and community are invaluable. Young Willamette Writers (YWW) provides middle and high school students with a space to refine their craft, connect with peers, and learn from established authors.

Each month, YWW hosts free workshops—both online and in person—designed to support aspiring writers as they develop their skills.

Expanding Access Through Beaverton City Library: Thanks to a partnership with Beaverton City Library, YWW workshops remain free and accessible to all young writers.

“Young Willamette Writers is a group of youth who are truly dedicated to and enthusiastic about the writing process and sharing their work,” said Ian Duncanson, Community Engagement Librarian at Beaverton City Library. “One of our programming goals this year has been to offer relevant, exciting programming that demonstrates our service goals of caring about people and their experiences and sharing enthusiasm.”

With the support of local authors and library staff, students gain hands-on writing experience, receive direct feedback, and connect with a supportive literary community.

Opportunities for Young Writers: Each year, young writers submit their work for publication in an annual anthology, offering a glimpse into the skill and creativity of these emerging authors. Participants also have the opportunity to present their work at the Annual Willamette Writers Conference in Portland.

“By investing in our youth, we are securing our future,” said Frances Lu-Pai Ippolito, a YWW chapter chair.

Upcoming Workshop: April 5 with Josh Shalek: On April 5, illustrator and graphic novelist Josh Shalek will lead a workshop on graphic novels and visual storytelling. The event is open to students in grades 6–12 and will be held in person at Beaverton City Library and online.

Registration is required through Young Willamette Writers’ website: https://willamettewriters.org/young-willamette-writers/