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MAP: 6 Reading Series to Check Out In and Around Crown Heights

By Rachel Holliday Smith | February 5, 2016 1:59pm | Updated on February 7, 2016 4:46pm
 Writer Hannah Lillith Assadi reads at the Sundays at Erv's reading series, which has taken place at Erv's bar in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens since last March.
Writer Hannah Lillith Assadi reads at the Sundays at Erv's reading series, which has taken place at Erv's bar in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens since last March.
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Sonia Goydenko

CROWN HEIGHTS — Welcome to the golden age of the local reading series.

For years now, Crown Heights has been a magnet for the literary set, thanks in large part to the monthly Franklin Park Reading Series, founded in 2009 at the popular Franklin Avenue beer garden of the same name.

But in recent months, at least three new series have popped up in the neighborhood — including a monthly series that aims to showcase emerging writers co-hosted by Penina Roth of the Franklin Park event — and in nearby Prospect-Lefferts Gardens.

To help keep track of all the literary happenings in the area, DNAinfo New York rounded up the six reading series taking place in the neighborhood lately; take a look at the below map and list to find a book lovers’ event near you:

► Franklin Electric Reading Series

Where: Franklin Electric, 650 Franklin Ave. near St. Marks Avenue

When: Inaugural reading on Feb. 11

This brand-new series kicking off Feb. 11 at the Franklin Electric co-working office will feature Brooklyn-based — and especially Crown Heights-based — writers and authors, said co-host Victoria Kornick. And a bonus: the inaugural event will have free beer provided by sponsor Blue Point Brewing Company.

► Manhattanville Reading Series

Where: Manhattanville Coffee, 167 Rogers Ave., at St. Johns Place

When: Every last Tuesday of the month 

This series dedicated to as-yet-unpublished writers began on Jan. 26 at the Manhattanville coffee shop, co-hosted by the Franklin Park Reading Series founder Penina Roth. She told DNAinfo she wanted to start a new event apart from Franklin Park because, as that series has grown more people, “we have fewer openings for emerging writers.” The new Manhattanville event will take place monthly.

► Readings in Color

Where: 65 Fen, 65 Fenimore St., at Flatbush Avenue

When: Monthly, on Sundays to be determined

Originally based in Prospect Heights, this monthly series moved to a wine bar in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens in December, bringing original poetry and stories to 65 Fen. Readings in Color’s organizers are currently looking for submissions from poets for spring and summer readings through their Facebook page.

► LIT: A Music & Reading Series

Where: Friends and Lovers, 641 Classon Ave., between Pacific and Dean streets

When: To be determined

In 2015, seven pop stars including Drake, Rihanna, Prince and Kanye West were each the subject of a different themed reading by the “LIT” series, held at the Classon Avenue venue Friends and Lovers. The last LIT event went on break in the end of 2015, but co-host Mensah Demary told the online magazine 0s&1s, “I'm looking forward to its return in 2016.”

► Sundays at Erv’s

Where: Erv’s, 2122 Beekman Place, at Flatbush Avenue

When: Every second Sunday of the month

After getting started last March, the Sundays at Erv’s reading series is still going strong every second Sunday of the month at the tiny Beekman Place bar in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens with readings from authors all over the city. The event is self-described as “Brooklyn's coziest literary series.”

► Franklin Park Reading Series

Where: Franklin Park, 618 St. Johns Place, at Franklin Avenue

When: Every second Monday of the month

Crowds of literature lovers pack the Franklin Park beer garden for this favorite series every month featuring mostly published authors and poets. This month’s event on Feb. 8 will include readings from authors Robert Lopez, Mira Ptacin, Tony Tulathimutte, Robin Beth Schaer and Tommy Pico on the theme “Love Will Make or Break You.”