FAQ

Address & Contact Information

The University of Arizona Poetry Center
1508 E. Helen Street
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0150
poetry@email.arizona.edu
Phone: (520) 626-3765

Connect

Can I check out books from the Poetry Center library?

The Poetry Center's collections are non-circulating but entirely open to the public. The majority of the Center's books are housed in open stacks, ideal for browsing. A copier is available in the library if you want to copy poems (ten-cent suggested donation per copy).

What’s the story of your building?

Designed by Line and Space LLC, our 17,500-foot landmark facility brings a contemporary note to the University of Arizona campus. Architect Les Wallach employed a design principle called "a progression toward solitude." As visitors move from west to east through the building's meeting and gathering spaces, they experience a gradual retreat into the peaceful solitude of the library collection. Named in honor of leading arts supporter Dr. Helen S. Schaefer, our building has received prestigious design awards. More information about the building's spaces is available on our building page.

Do I need a University ID to come into the Poetry Center?

The Poetry Center is open and fully accessible to the public. You do not need to be affiliated with the University of Arizona in any way to use our library, attend our free literary events, or enroll in our noncredit classes and workshops.

Can I rent the Poetry Center? 

The Poetry Center is not available to rent for private events.

How do I donate books to the Poetry Center? 

Please see our library donation policy.

Are all your events free?

The vast majority of the Poetry Center's events are free and open to the public. This includes Reading and Lecture Series events, our literary discussion groups, Family Day events, and more. We are able to provide events free of admission through the generous support of our donors. If you would also like to help the Poetry Center provide free, high-quality literary programming to Southern Arizona communities, you can to make a donation to the Poetry Center in support of our programs.

There are so many events on your web calendar that aren't on your print calendar.  Why?  

The Poetry Center is housed in the Helen S. Schaefer Building. Other University of Arizona units that present events in this building are the College of Humanities and the Humanities Seminars Program. Due to space limitations, our print calendar lists Poetry Center-sponsored events only. But on our web calendar, where we can provide more information without additional expense, we list events sponsored by other University units, as we feel these events are likely to be of interest to some of our followers.

What volunteer opportunities are available at the Poetry Center?

The Poetry Center needs volunteers to support literary events and library operations. More information on our volunteer page.

We also seek enthusiastic individuals who are able to make a substantial commitment to the Poetry Center as a docent. More information on our docent page.  

Do you have free parking?  

Free parking is available after 5:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends in Zone 1 parking areas that surround the building. If you wish to visit the Poetry Center at a time when Zone 1 parking is not open to the public, the Highland parking garage is very conveniently located across the street from the Center and is available for use for a fee. More information about the garage rates is located here.

How do I get my other questions answered?

You may call the reception desk at (520) 626-3765, email us at poetry@email.arizona.edu, or drop by during our open hours. 

How do I become a member of the Poetry Center?

Because our facility and most of our programs are free and open to the public, we do not have a membership program. We do, however, depend on community support for our programs, and must raise funds each year to produce our offerings. The Walt Whitman Circle is a group of supporters that commit to annual gifts of $250 or more. Learn more about how to become a member of the Whitman Circle or make a gift to support the work of the Center.