Philadelphia has been home to many of the greatest men of American letters, so it’s no surprise that the city is seeking to keep its literary tradition alive at the Kelly Writers House. Founded in 1995 by a group of students, teachers, and alumni at the University of Pennsylvania, the facility is a thriving hotspot for the literary arts in all their forms, staging over 300 events yearly. Some of the biggest events include the Fellows program, which brings nationally famous writers in for a brief residency where they discuss their work, speaking with students during the day and then hosting a panel at night. These are typically packed to the gills. The interesting thing about the Writers House is that it actually is a house – events take place in the living room, and seats are often at a premium. Everything is free, but for popular programs it’s wise to RSVP.

The Kelly Writers House
University of Pennsylvania
3805 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 573-9748
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kelly-writers-house-philadelphia