Our mission
The Ina Coolbrith Circle promotes the art of poetry, the study of the history and literature of California, the discussion of the works of California writers, and the preservation of California’s literary heritage. We do this by bringing poets and readers together, encouraging new work through our contests, and honoring the legacy of our founder, Ina Coolbrith, California’s first Poet Laureate.
Our history
The Circle was founded in San Francisco on September 28, 1919, in honor of Ina Coolbrith. She was a poet, a librarian, and a mentor to writers like Jack London, and in 1915 she became the first Poet Laureate of California — the first of any state. We’ve been meeting ever since. More than a century later, the Circle is still a place where poets share their work and readers find good company.
What we do
- Monthly gatherings: We meet each month for a talk from a guest speaker and an open mic where members read their own poems. Members and their guests are welcome. Learn more
- Annual poetry contest: Our contest has run for over a hundred years. It’s open to all poets, with several themes to choose from and prizes in each. Winning poems are read aloud at our awards event. Learn more
- Anthology: We publish a collection of members’ poems, giving the Circle’s poets a place in print. Learn more
- State Library collection: Our collection at the California State Library holds books and chapbooks written by our members — a permanent home for their work. Learn more
Nonprofit status
The Ina Coolbrith Circle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our federal tax exemption was granted in April 1942 and remains in effect.
EIN: 94-6083146
Contributions to the Circle are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.