the Newcomer’s Guide to Literary Boston
2026–2027
Discover, explore, and engage with Boston’s literary community.
Boston has one of the richest literary communities in the country — but if you’re new to the city, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
The Newcomer’s Guide to Literary Boston is designed to help you discover, explore, and engage with Boston’s literary community. In here you’ll find where to shop for and borrow books, resources for writers, book clubs and festivals for readers, our many annual literary events, who's who in local publishing, resources for younger readers and writers, literary history, and lots more.
Whether you’re new to the city or have been a longtime resident looking to learn more, The Newcomer’s Guide to Literary Boston has something for you!
Note: Best viewed on desktop.
What’s in the Newcomer’s guide
This 28-page, full-color guide introduces readers to the people, places, organizations, events, and resources that make up Boston’s literary ecosystem, including:
independent bookstores and libraries within I-95
resources for writers
reading series and open mics
organizations and non-profits
resources for readers
resources for young readers and writers
Boston’s publishing scene
the literary events year
literary history
Boston authors to know about
Who the guide is for
The Newcomer’s Guide is designed for:
People who have recently moved to Greater Boston
Students arriving at local colleges and universities
Readers looking to become more involved in the local book and literary community
Writers looking for classes, organizations, resources, and community
Visitors interested in Boston’s literary culture and history
Longtime residents who want to discover more of the literary community around them
Look for print copies around town soon
Look for a limited run of print copies of The Newcomer’s Guide to be distributed throughout the city at bookstores, libraries, literary and cultural organizations, colleges and universities, writing centers, and more…
Thank you to our sponsors!
Supporting Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Individual Sponsors
Marc Eichen and Deborah Drosnin
Janis Garrity Kent
David and Colleen Leof
Doris Montgomery
Elizabeth I. Niemi
Susan Pioli