Laureate's Library Tour: Simon Armitage

National Poet Laureate

Location address: North Ormesby Community Hub & Library, Middlesbrough
Chosen age group:

Ages: children 16 - 18 · adults 18+ years

Available tickets:
Admission Ticket Free
Next date: Wednesday 25th Feb,
Laureate's Library Tour: Simon Armitage block mentored by Middlesbrough Council
Laureate's Library Tour: Simon Armitage block mentored by Middlesbrough Council
Laureate's Library Tour: Simon Armitage block mentored by Middlesbrough Council
Laureate's Library Tour: Simon Armitage block mentored by Middlesbrough Council
A summary
Wednesday 25th February 2 - 3pm Each spring this decade, Simon Armitage will give readings across the UK, from the flagship libraries of the big cities to smaller libraries serving rural and remote communities. Using the alphabet as a compass, his journey will celebrate the library as one of the great and necessary institutions. Join Simon in the next stage of his 10-year adventure for a series of free poetry readings live in libraries. ‘My experience of reading and writing began in the village library where I grew up, then in the nearby town library, then in libraries at various places of study and teaching. For many people they are an invaluable aspect of everyday life, giving access not just to books but to services, learning, conversation and creative thinking. I want to pay my respects to these unique institutions. By planning readings up to a decade in advance I’m being optimistic about the future of our libraries, and challenging those authorities who would consider closing them down.’ North Ormesby Library launches this year's Laureate’s Library Tour! Simon Armitage... ...is an award‑winning British poet from West Yorkshire, known for his clear, witty writing about everyday life. He has published numerous collections, translated classic works, and since 2019 has served as the UK Poet Laureate. Guest Speaker: Kate Fox... ...is a stand-up poet, spoken word artist and regular radio broadcaster. Kate has been Poet in Residence for the Glastonbury Festival and the Great North Run. Her poetry collections include On Sycamore Gap, Bigger On the Inside and The Oscillations. She is also the author of Where there’s Muck, there’s Bras: True Stories of the North of England’s Women. Kate is a neurodivergent advocate whose latest show “Bigger on the Inside" explores neurodiversity through the lens of Doctor Who. Age 16+ (poetry can contain strong language)
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About your mentor
Middlesbrough Council
Hosting: Simon Armitage
Simon Armitage is a leading contemporary English poet, playwright, novelist and broadcaster, born in 1963 in Huddersfield and raised in the village of Marsden, West Yorkshire. He studied geography at Portsmouth University and social work at Manchester University, and worked as a probation officer before becoming a full-time writer. Armitage’s poetry is known for plain speech, dry humour and its engagement with modern life. He has published numerous poetry collections since his first, Zoom! (1989), and his work often appears on UK GCSE syllabuses. He has also written novels, travel writing and major translations from medieval English. Armitage was appointed Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom in 2019, a ten-year role, and is Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds. His honours include the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry and fellowship of the Royal Society of Literature. As Poet Laureate he is undertaking a decade-long Laureate’s Library Tour across the UK. Since 2019 he has been visiting libraries each spring in alphabetical order – from Ashby-de-la-Zouch to Belper, Aberdeen and beyond – giving free live poetry readings with guest poets, celebrating libraries as community spaces and encouraging engagement with reading and writing. The 2026 tour (letters N–P) includes a stop at North Ormesby Community Hub & Library in Middlesbrough, where Armitage will read alongside spoken-word artist Kate Fox as part of this project.
Pricing information
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Where we'll be
North Ormesby Community Hub & Library, Derwent Street, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, TS3 6JB
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Enhanced DBS
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Please note

Please note, it is the responsibility of the booker to satisfy themselves about the adequacy of the safety measures. This platform is merely an introducer and does not verify the items listed here.

Cancellation Policy
Free bookings do not require refunds but as places are limited, please cancel if you cannot attend so that your place can be offered to someone else.Tickets are Free

My experience consists of a leisure activity, on a specific date(s), and therefore the 14-day ‘cooling off period’ under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 does not apply.