Join us for a cosy afternoon at The Open Book to hear Nick Ascroft (@assscroft) read from his new book, with Zephyr Zhang (@klaxoon), Sophie Van Waardenberg (@sophrosevw) and Stacey Teague (@staceyteague). Snacks, drinks, and great poetry – what's not to love?

When: Sunday 12 April, 3pm
Where: The Open Book, 201 Ponsonby Road, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

T.S. Elliot famously declared April 'the cruellest month' - what if he was right? Certainly, there have been a fair number of well-known disasters in April. Think: Titanic, Chernobyl, Gallipoli. So, yes, April has been cruel, but it's also a month of seasonal change and renewal. Perfect fodder for artistic catharsis!

Come along to The Open Book for a blackout poetry workshop that explores the tensions between disaster, cruelty, and renewal at this fractious time of year. If you feel full of feelings about cruelties—past or present, personal or global—this workshop will provide a chance to release them into art.

This free, drop-in workshop will be run by Hebe Kearney (from Blackout Poetry Aotearoa). Materials, instructions, and guidance will be provided for blackout poetry and paper collage.

When: Saturday 11th April 1–3pm
Where: The Open Book, 201 Ponsonby Road, Tāmaki Makaurau

Wander the rooms and worlds of The Open Book to the sweet sounds of Baroquers. Fiddling sisters Dr Kirsten Locke and Rachel Dasler, along with our regular Christmas carols host 'harpsichordist' Amy Mansfield and cellist Kate Saunders, accompany you by means of baroque sonatas and suites by Albinoni. Your music-filled browsing will be followed by readings and some mid-winter conviviality.

👂 This event is a part of our on-going Ears Wide Open series, bringing poetry, music and local voices to the Ponsonby community.

Anna and Sophie, Open Book escapees, read poems old and new!

Choose to listen or join in as local poets take to the mic at The Open Book. This casual, welcoming open mic event is a chance for you to hear budding poets share their work, or to share your own.